Parque da Pena

Parque da Pena is a Romantic landscape park in Sintra, surrounding Pena Palace on a hilltop in the Serra de Sintra. It covers about 85 hectares and is regarded as one of the most important arboretums in Portugal. It belongs to the European Route of Historic Gardens.

How did the park come about?

In 1838 Ferdinand II, Portugal's king consort, bought the ruined Hieronymite monastery on this peak. The palace was only half of his ambition, because he also wanted the surrounding landscape transformed. The bare granite slopes were planted with trees and shrubs brought in from around the world, with work continuing roughly from 1838 to 1878. From the early 1860s the Countess, the king's second wife, guided much of the design, and the fernery beside the chalet was her own project.

What grows here?

The park holds more than 500 species of trees and plants from North America, Japan, Australia, China and New Zealand. Examples include sequoias from California, tree ferns from New Zealand and cedars from the Himalayas. A walk here feels like a trip across several continents, with deep greens set against the colourful palace above.

What should you see in the park?

• Vale dos Lagos (Valley of the Lakes) – five lakes formed by damming a stream. Two ornate duck houses stand on the water: one resembles the Moorish Castle, the other Pena Palace.
• Fonte dos Passarinhos (Fountain of the Little Birds) – a small Neo-Mudéjar pavilion with an octagonal plan and a tiled dome, at the head of the valley.
• Feteira da Rainha (Queen's Fern Valley) – a giant thuja surrounded by lush tree ferns from Australia and New Zealand.
• Jardim da Rainha (Queen's Garden) – a mix of natural and architectural elements: fountains, lakes, sculptures, exotic plants and winding paths.
• Cruz Alta (High Cross) – the highest point of the park, with wide views over the surroundings.

How big is it?

Sources give two figures. The designed park itself covers about 85 hectares, while the figure of around 200 hectares usually includes the surrounding forest. When planning a route, allow for steep paths and plenty of climbing.

Frequently asked questions

Is the park part of Pena Palace? Yes, the park and palace form a single whole created by Ferdinand II, although depending on your ticket you can visit them separately.

How long should I plan for a walk? For a relaxed tour of the main corners, allow at least a few hours, since the park is large and hilly.

Who designed the garden? The idea came from King Ferdinand II, supported by the Countess, who directed part of the work from the early 1860s.

Who is it for? Anyone who enjoys botany, photography, garden history or quiet walks away from the crowds at the palace itself.

What shoes should I wear? Comfortable ones with good grip, because the paths cross steep and sometimes damp slopes.