It’s about time I got around to writing about Pena Palace…
“Today is the happiest day of my life. I know Italy, Sicily, Greece and Egypt, and I have never seen anything, anything, to match the Pena. It is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. This is the true Garden of Klingsor and there, up above, is the Castle of the Holy Grail.” – Richard Strauss
I’m heading back to Portugal this coming weekend and couldn’t be more excited! Visiting Lisbon, Portugal’s famed capital, was one of my favorite trips of last year and the city quite effortlessly became one of my favorites in Europe! I was lovin’ up on everything that Lisbon had to offer and was blown away by their extremely affordable, mouthwatering cuisine. Let’s just say thanks to Lisbon, I’ve got high hopes for Porto!
Even though I couldn’t get enough of Lisbon, my friends and I decided to dedicate one day to venturing just outside of the city, to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Sintra. Everyone I asked had insisted that Sintra was a must see during any trip to Lisbon, so against my will we willingly left behind our beloved Lisbon to make the trip.
All I can say now is, thank god we did. The city of Sintra, a favorite among 18th century Portuguese royalty, is charming in itself, bursting with colorful romantic architecture and lavish dreamy retreats, but what made the trip worth it for me was “Palácio Nacional da Pena” or Pena National Palace.
Pena Palace seems as though it was constructed from the whirlwind of a child’s imagination. It is the crafted perfection of a fairy-tale castle, sitting high upon a sturdy foundation of rock, deeply nestled in a luscious green forest. This candy-colored château is nothing short of a Walt Disney creation, a twisting maze of enchanting towers, alarming gargoyles and glistening golden domes.
While trekking up the steep hill towards Pena Palace, you’re only awarded small glimpses of her exotic pastel hues. It isn’t until you reach the main terrace that you can fully appreciate her extravagance.
I couldn’t help but gawk at the surreal palace before me. This castle wasn’t just built as a tourist attraction? People actually lived here? Huh?
I casually strolled through Arabic archways and passed cannon towers making my way towards the Queen’s Terrace. Talk about a photo-op. The Queen’s terrace at Pena Palace offers one of the most spectacular panoramic views that I have ever experienced.
Atop the terrace you feel as though you are standing in the place of the Queen herself, nobly gazing at the country below you with a sense of pride and power. From here you are truly able to admire her beloved palace while being swept away by its whimsical harmony of varying styles- the unconventional contrast of Moorish, Gothic, Egyptian and Renaissance elements.
“The view that is enjoyed from there simultaneously gives us a sensation of amazement, pleasure and fear.”- Carl Israel Ruders
Couldn’t have said it better myself, Carl.
Heading to Lisbon soon? Don’t hesitate to make your way to Sintra!!
Have you ever been to Pena Palace? What did you think?
Also, I’m welcoming any suggestions for Porto!! 🙂
Linkin’ up with Caity, Marcella, Michelle, Amanda & Bonnie for Travel Tuesday today!!
That looks awesome!! Unlike any castle I’ve ever seen. Ive never been to Portugal, but would love to visit one day. Gorgeous shots and I love your dress too 🙂
Thanks Abby! Portugal is absolutely amazing and extremely affordable! And the dress is from Brandy Melville 😀
Wow, so pretty! Those views are incredible. I’ve been thinking about a Lisbon visit for a while, this may have swayed me… Thanks for sharing 🙂
Definitely go to Lisbon!! I’m so in love with the city! It’s definitely worth it!!
GORGEOUS! Look at those views! I’ve heard such great things about Lisbon and Porto and would really love to see both someday. Enjoy your upcoming trip too 😀
Thanks Marcella!! Portugal is definitely worth a trip! 😀
I loved Pena Palace – and all of Sintra! Even though Lisbon is so great, I agree that Sintra is a must-do if you have time when you visit. So pretty!!
It’s such a pretty little town. So extravagant!
I love the pastel colors and the turrets and domes. It’s definitely a different take from the classic grey stone castles! I’ve been hearing a lot about Portugal lately and I really want to go. The next time I go to Europe (next year maybe?) I really want to do a Spain & Portugal trip!
Well, I may be partial to Spain & Portugal, but go, go, go!!! 😀 And this castle is definitely a nice change from all the typical grey or tan concrete castles I’ve seen!
Going to Sintra in May, and CANNOT WAIT for this castle!!! Thanks for making me even more crazy excited about it! Great post 🙂
Yay Christy! So excited for ya!! 😀 You’re going to love it!
Wow, Pena palace looks incredible! And those views! I’m heading to Porto in a couple weeks so I’m looking forward to hearing about your stay! Hope it’s great 🙂
Porto was amazing! You’re going to have such a good time! Writing a post this week about it 😀
I love your analogy of a Walt Disney Creation; I think that’s a perfect way to describe this city
through the photos! I’ll have to add this place to my list. It’s absolutely beautiful!
Thanks Yvonne! It truly was Disney-esque!
It looks so pretty, I hope we make it to Portugal sometime!
Portugal is definitely a must see!!
Wow! That looks amazing! I’ve been to Lisbon but not Sintra. Must. Go. Back!
Very very Disney-esque! I hadn’t heard of this, thank you for opening my eyes!