Explore the picturesque Pena Palace, named one of the 10 places in the world that belongs in a fairy tale. Perched high on a peak in the Serra mountains of Sintra, Pena Palace (Palácio da Pena in Portuguese) can be seen from Lisbon on a clear day, but is well worth a visit to observe the magnitude of work in person. Experience an unforgettable day meandering through the 500-acre gardens and discovering the history of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Called one of the seven wonders of Portugal by the Ministry of Culture, the palace is a national monument showcasing one of the major expressions of 19th-century Romanticism. The palace features bright colors acting as a color coded index to it’s architectural history, created by mashing up towers, facades, and architectural flourishes from multiple buildings. The red portion is the oldest section, dating to the 15th-century. While the yellow arches and domes are from Moorish influences and the blue structures from Manueline style, were later additions.

Dating to 1493 when the land was first occupied by King John II, the grounds were donated to the Order of Saint Jerome, whose monks used the building for meditation until the Great Lisbon Earthquake of 1755. After years in ruins the monastery and surrounding lands were purchased by Ferdinand II, creating a grand estate designed by the Portuguese architect, Possidónio da Silva utilizing the eclectic styles of Egyptian, Moorish, Gothic and Renaissance.

To reach Pena Palace, it is first necessary to pass through the parks entrance. From here you can choose to walk on the winding paths of the lush gardens or hop-on a quick train ride for € 2.00 (roundtrip). Tour inside the palace walls to see the lavish decorated rooms with frescoed walls and furniture and be sure to visit the Queen’s Terrace. Unfortunately photography is not allowed inside, but be sure to hike the High Cross with the Saint Maria viewpoint for a breathtaking shot of the palace.