Pena Palace Architecture | A Guide to Sintra's Iconic Romantic Style
Architectural Style Of Pena Palace
Pena Palace, a Romantic-era castle, showcases an eclectic blend of Neo-Gothic, Neo-Manueline, Neo-Islamic, and Neo-Renaissance architectural styles. Originally a Hieronymite convent, it was transformed in the 1840s, incorporating the existing convent with new structures such as the clock tower and expansive terraces.
Prominent features include the Arches Yard, adorned with Moorish-style arches, and the Queen’s Terrace, which provides sweeping views of Sintra. The interiors are equally captivating, featuring elaborate stucco work, trompe-l'œil paintings that create visual illusions, and richly detailed tile revetments.
Encircling the palace is Pena Park, established by King Ferdinand II. The park is a vast garden filled with exotic plants from across the globe, such as sequoias, magnolias, and ferns, adding to the palace's enchanting atmosphere.
Who Designed Pena Palace?
Structure Of Pena Palace
Constructed from local limestone, Pena Palace boasts a robust foundation and walls. King Ferdinand II's enhancements introduced distinctive elements like vaulted arches and elaborate windows, drawing inspiration from medieval and Islamic Pena Palace architecture styles. Decorative tiles adorn the exterior walls, creating a striking contrast against the scenic backdrop of Sintra's hills.
Inside,the Pena palace features intricate marble carvings, ornate details, and grand columns. The restored convent structure, clock tower, and the Arches Yard with its Moorish arches stand as preserved remnants of the original Hieronymite convent, offering visitors a glimpse into the palace's historical evolution and cultural significance.
Read More: History of Pena Palace
Stages Of Construction Of Pena Palace
12th Century: A chapel honoring Our Lady of Pena is established on the site, laying the initial foundation for the future palace.
16th Century: The Royal Monastery of Nossa Senhora da Pena is constructed by order of D. Manuel I and later entrusted to the Order of Saint Jerome.
1755: The Lisbon earthquake devastates the monastery, leaving it in ruins and abandoned to decay over nearly a century.
1836: Fernando II acquires the monastery ruins and surrounding forest, intending to establish a summer residence for the royal family.
1838-1840s: Initially planning restoration, Fernando II, guided by architect Baron Wilhelm Ludwig von Eschwege, expands the project into constructing a grand palace, incorporating Manueline and Moorish influences.
1843: Completion of the clock tower marks a prominent feature of the palace during renovation and expansion efforts.
Late 19th Century: The palace becomes the summer residence of the Portuguese royal family, undergoing subsequent additions, including the Chalet da Condessa d'Edla.
1995: Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2000: Parque da Pena falls under Parques de Sintra management, initiating continuous conservation efforts to preserve the palace and its surrounding parkland.
Exterior Of Pena Palace
Commissioned by Fernando II in the 1840s, the Camellia garden features cultivars from China, Japan, and Portugal. In 2023, Parques de Sintra expanded it with 10 Camellia azalea hybrids. The park, home to a Giant Tuia tree, now hosts 386 cultivars from 38 species and 26 hybrids, meticulously cataloged by Parques de Sintra since 2009.
Also Read: Pena Palace Facts
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Cruz Alta, the highest point in Serra de Sintra at 528 meters above sea level, provides breathtaking views of Lisbon, Cascais, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Saloia region. Originally marked by a cross commissioned by D. João III in 1522, it was replaced by Fernando II following storm damage. A replica, made in 2008 from limestone, stands 3.5 meters tall, 1.5 meters wide, and weighs approximately 1,700 kilograms
Do Read: Plan Your Visit to Pena Palace
Pena Palace boasts three primary terraces: The Coach House Terrace, The Queen’s Terrace, and Triton's Terrace. Originally designed to accommodate stables and servants' quarters, The Coach House Terrace overlooks Cruz Alta and incorporates elements reminiscent of Pena Palace architecture, including visors over the windows and bulbous domes.
Must Read: How to Reach Pena Palace
Interiors of Pena Palace
The Kitchen at Pena Palace retains two original stoves and is adorned with numerous copper items such as pots, pans, and frying pans. Look for items marked with "PP" for Palácio da Pena and Fernando II’s monogram, including pudding molds shaped like castles and pâté molds resembling piglets or birds.
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Originally the old monastic church of Nossa Senhora da Pena, the Chapel in Pena Palace, while not a parish church, welcomed pilgrims. The altarpiece, created by Nicolau de Chanterene between 1529 and 1532, holds historical significance. Additionally, a stained glass window commissioned by Fernando II in 1840 enhances the chapel's artistic and political importance within the palace's construction.
Formerly the Billiards Room, the Noble Hall at Pena Palace now displays Fernando II's extensive collection of oriental porcelain in a serene setting. Pena Palace architecture is adorned with a Gothic-style chandelier holding 72 candles and gold-plated brass torch holders. Three windows showcase elements from the monarch's Central European stained glass collection, adding to the hall's ambiance and historical allure.
Do Checkout: Restaurants Near Pena Palace
FAQ's of Pena Palace
Who commissioned the construction of Pena Palace?
Pena Palace was commissioned by King Ferdinand II of Portugal in 1838. He intended it to be a summer residence for the Portuguese royal family.
Read More: Pena Palace Tour From Lisbon
What architectural styles are represented in Pena Palace?
Pena Palace showcases a blend of various architectural styles, including Neo-Gothic, Neo-Renaissance, Neo-Manueline, and Islamic architecture of Pena palace. This eclectic mix reflects the Romanticist influence of the 19th century.
Who was the primary architect of Pena Palace?
The primary architect was Wilhelm Ludwig von Eschwege, a German engineer and amateur architect. He collaborated closely with King Ferdinand II on the design.
What is unique about the interior design of Pena Palace?
The interior of Pena Palace features elaborate and eclectic designs, with rooms decorated in different styles from various historical periods. It includes richly decorated stucco ceilings, ornate furniture, and walls adorned with azulejos (traditional Portuguese tiles).
How has Pena Palace influenced modern architecture?
Pena Palace's eclectic and whimsical design has inspired various modern architects and artists. Its bold use of color and stylistic fusion continue to be a reference point for contemporary Pena Palace architecture that seek to blend historical influences with modern creativity.
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