Palácio da Pena: Romanticism in the Hills of Sintra

The colorful 19th-century palace that became a symbol of Portuguese Romanticism.

Perched atop a hill in Sintra, the Palácio da Pena is one of Europe's finest examples of Romantic architecture. Built in 1854 by King Ferdinand II, the palace blends Gothic, Manueline, Moorish, and Renaissance styles into a fantastical vision of vivid yellows, reds, and blues. The surrounding park features exotic trees from around the world, creating a fairy-tale setting that has captivated visitors for over 150 years. Today, the palace is part of the Cultural Landscape of Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.