Pena National Palace Historical Facts and Pictures

Standing on top of a hill over the town Sinatra, the Pena National Palace is a marvelous embodiment of nineteenth century Romanticism. Located in Sao Pedro de Penaferrim this Romantic palace is one of the 7 wonders in Portugal and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Pena National Palace

Palace Entrance

Construction and Design of the Palace

At first, during the Middle Ages, it was a monastery constituting a chapel within it. But after being affected by natural calamities during the course it was reconstructed by King consort Frdianand in 1847. The construction and decoration of the palace were conclusively contributed by King Ferdinand and Queen Maria II. The Islamic and Medieval elements, the vault arches and the ornate window in the main facade were all suggested by the king himself.

Pictures of Pena National Palace

Palace Queen’s Fern Garden

Pena National Palace Pond

Structure and Architecture

Built by German architect Baron Wilhelm Ludwig von Schewge, the palace exhibits a blend of Neo-Gothic, Neo-Islamic, Neo-Renaissance and Neo-Manueline architectural styles. The four divided sections of the palace are the foundations (the lowest structure of the building), enveloped with walls, comprising 2 gateways; facing the chapel, the Arches Yard with Moorish architectural walls; and the cathedral style decorated palatial zone along with its cylindrical bastions. The parts of the convent section, the dining room, the cloister, the Manueline- Renaissance chapel and the sacristy are all embedded in a new division featuring a clock tower and a wide terrace. Also known as the Queen’s terrace the wide terrace contains a cannon and a sundial.

Pena National Palace Images

Pena National Palace Photos

Pena National Palace Pictures

Interior of Pena National Palace

The interiors of the palace are richly decorated with tiles displaying amazing stucco sand trompe-loeil painted walls.

Inside of Pena National Palace

Lisbon Pena Palace Inside Chapel

Pena National Palace Inside

The palace was purchased by Portuguese State in 1889, and after the Republican Revolution in 1910, the complex was declared as a national monument and was  turned into a museum. Towards end of twentieth century the palace was renovated and repainted to restore its original structure and colors.