WORK FOR US
The Salty Pelican
Location Guide
DESTINATIONS
TOURIST THINGS
EVENTS
NIGHT LIFE
WHERE TO EAT
PENA PALACE
Perched atop the lush hills of Sintra, Portugal, the Pena Palace stands as a vibrant symbol of Romanticism and architectural splendor. Its colorful façade, adorned with intricate turrets, domes, and decorative tiles, creates a fairytale-like silhouette against the backdrop of the Serra de Sintra mountains. Built in the 19th century, this UNESCO World Heritage site blends various architectural styles, including Neo-Gothic, Neo-Manueline, and Moorish influences, reflecting the eclectic tastes of its royal inhabitants. Visitors can wander through opulent chambers adorned with ornate furnishings, marvel at panoramic views from its terraces, and explore the surrounding Pena Park's lush forests and winding pathways. With its enchanting ambiance and breathtaking vistas, the Pena Palace continues to captivate and inspire visitors from around the globe, inviting them to step into a world of romantic fantasy and historical grandeur.
The Palacio de Mafra, also known as the Royal Palace of Mafra, is a neoclassical palace built in 1717 and took more than 60 years to complete. The palace served as the royal family’s choice of summer residence at the end of the 19th century when hunting game was fashionable. Today, the palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is noted for its Baroque architecture and immense size. The exterior of the palace is decorated with sculptures and carved marble, while the interior features lavish ornate decorations and furnishings. The palace was built around a beautiful basilica with 6 organs and a 98-bell carillon and is divided into the King’s South quarters, and the Queen’s North quarters, separated by 232 meters! The Palacio de Mafra is open to the public from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm. Visitors can explore its vast interior spaces which include a furnished hunting room, music room, game room, and living quarters.
.jpeg)