Also known as the Pena Palace or the Palacio da Pena, the castle is a colorful blend of styles in accordance with the taste of Romanticism. These include Neo-Gothic, Neo-Manueline, Neo-Islamic and Neo-Renaissance. Other prominent Portuguese buildings such as Belem Tower can also be spotted. Its extravagant exterior includes an enveloping wall, drawbridge, clock tower, the restored old convent from the Middle Ages, Moorish arches, gargoyles and a conglomeration of bastions, turrets, ramparts and domes.
Surrounding the palace is also a stunning garden -- 200 hectares of forested walkways, beautiful vistas and hidden paths -- with over 500 species of trees originating from the former colonies of the Portuguese empire. The garden is dotted with plenty of lovely fountains, statues, pergolas, grottoes, bridges and ponds.
Inside, find a spacious ballroom, 16th century altarpiece, delicately carved ceilings and walls, antiques and exotic woodwork.
The surrounding town is quite lovely as well, with wonderful shops, cafés, restaurants and museums to be explored.
Explore the romance of Sintra and its Pena Palace when adding our Lisbon land program to our Portugal sailings.