Pena Palace Exteriors 

The beauty of Pena Palace is not only limited to its interiors but also spreads out to its exteriors.

Here are all the sites you can admire during your next or first trip to the Park and National Palace of Pena in Sintra

Pena Park

Pena Park is a luscious collection of different plant species and dramatic scenery over 200 hectares of land.

It is a well-designed and established paek that perfectly complements the romantic architectural style of the palace.

You can find footpaths, excellent viewpoints, flourishing fern gardens, streams, ponds, and a mock alpine chalet.

A famous attraction of the palace, the park can also be toured individually, with park tickets only available for 8 euros.

Temple of Columns, The Warrior Statue, and The Queen’s Table

All three spots offer a different yet fresher perspective when visiting the park and the National Palace of Pena, Sintra.

But the Temple of Columns stands out among the free treetops, setting a beautiful scene for visitors.

With its yellow cupola and twelve columns, this Neoclassical structure stands on the same site where a former chapel dedicated to Saint Anthony was situated.

Moving ahead at an immediate distance, you will notice a warrior statue on a big rock.

A fantastic work by Ernesto Rusconi in 1848, there are speculations that it might represent the heroics of Ferdinand II.

Whether it represents the eternal guardian of the National Palace of Pena of Sintra, the sculpture often amazes visitors due to its massive height.

After this, you will come across a small lake with an octagonal table with a connection to the Queen herself.

Located right at the feet of the warrior, the table gets its name as it is one of Queen Amelia’s all-time favorite spots.

Learn more exciting facts in our article, Pena Palace Facts, and get all the exclusive information before your trip!

Sentry Walk

The Sentry Walk at the National Palace de Pena does not hold any military purpose, as it was built for the same purpose as the rest of the castle: leisure.

But from here, you can see the Moorish Castle, the Regaleira Estate, the Palace of Seterais, and the beaches of Sinatra and Ericcera.

Also, on a clear, sunny day, you can even have views stretching to the Berlengas Islands.

Camille Gardens

If you are touring the Park and National Place of Pena, take advantage of the Camille Gardens.

Most of Pena’s botanical collections came from Japan and China.

These gorgeous collections are so unique that they received the Camellia Garden of Excellence from the International Camellia Society in 2014.

Moreover, Camille flowers have become an emblem for Sintra’s winter season, as they bloom and elevate during the cold weather.

High Cross

One of the most famous and best spots to visit at the National Palace of Pena is the High Cross.

An extraordinaire, the cross stands tall at 528 meters in altitude while offering brilliant views of Lisbon and Cascais.

The cross is so iconic that it has been replaced three times!

Yes, you read it right after it was restored several times; the new relic came in 2008, and the cross still attracts a considerable crowd.

The beauty of the cross is that the previous interweaving trunks have various features to keep the site’s originality alive.

Valley of Lakes and Little Bird Mountain

As you enter the imposing gate, you feel like you have come to a magical world of small Lakes and waterfalls.

You will soon meet a duck shelter, a lush valley, and the relaxing sound of water waves.

Moreover, these shelters are unique, representing two essential monuments in Pena.

One is the romantically built Moorish Castle, and the second is the Palace itself.

As you move ahead, you will discover the Birds Fountain, a small Neo-Mudéjar pavilion with a hexagonal floor plan, a vaulted dome, and decorative tiling.

Chalet and Garden of the Countess of Elda

Named and built after the Countess of Elda, Elise Hensler, the Aloin Style Building is an ochre beauty.

The gardens in front of it have the most vibrant camellias, rhododendrons, azaleas, and ferns.

It is an unmissable and beautiful site at the Pena Palace, and you can see it by purchasing the tickets in advance.

Courtyard of Arches

The Courtyard is famous for being the most photographed spot in Pena Palace.

This is because it overlooks the serene view of the Atlantic Ocean and the Sintra Hills.

You can also spot the beautiful Pena Park, planted by King Ferdinand himself.

Another highlight from the courtyard is the window over the triton tunnel, a simplified version of Manuline windows.

Queen’s Fern Valley

This area has the most breathtaking trees, including the western red cedar, which stands out due to its impressive structure.

Queen’s Fern Valley brings together an exotic collection of leafy arboreal ferns from Australia and New Zealand.

Water Wheel

The water wheel is a medieval-modern technological boon used to lift water from Pena Park to the palace.

Built in a Neo-Mudéjar-inspired building, this complex system of mines and springs is essential even today for garden irrigation purposes.

The Pena Water Wheel will give a helpful insight into the various tools and technologies used by the royal family in the 19th century.

Pena Farm

You will find the farm in the western stretches of Pena Park.

The main attraction inside the countryside-inspired farm is its stables.

Moreover, it also consists of a greenhouse, which plays a major role in planting species in the park and maintaining Pena’s botanical collection.

Grotto of the Monk and St. Catherine’s Heights

The Pena Park in Sintra is filled with hidden gems that give an insight into its interesting history. 

One such place is the Grotto of the Monk, which comes from the Palace’s past as a monastery.

Catherine’s height is an excellent viewpoint for the palace.

You will also find a seat sculpted with rock, covered in tar, and decorated with tiles, known as the Queen’s throne.

For access to these attractions’ full splendor, you must purchase Pena Palace exterior tickets online.

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Featured Image : Mark Lawson on Unsplash