Recently voted one of the "7 Wonders of Portugal", Pena Palace was commissioned by King Ferdinand II in 1838 on the ruins of a former monastery.
The ostentatious Disney-style architecture and lofty setting are reminiscent of Ludwig II's Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, but Pena Palace is actually a few decades older, and was in fact the first romantic palace in Europe.
As was the fashion at the time, the palace brings together various historical styles, from Moorish to Renaissance, and is without doubt the leading exponent of 19th century Romanticism in Portugal.
It was built as a summer residence and has fascinating stuccoes and trompe l'oeil interior paintings, and the park has views that will amaze you.
Pena Palace also has an amazing collection of trees, over 2 000 species, from the four corners of the world, thanks to the microclimate that exists in this region.