Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Palacio Nacional da Pena or Pena Palace, Sintra, Portugal

Since we spent half a day at Monserrate park and palace, we had only a few hours left before we started on our onward journey. We had to make the chose of which one to visit. Out of all the tourist attractions left to visit, we chose Pena Palace. 
Believe me, it is a fairy tale place. All the stories you would have read as a child in which castles are there and their description matches this castle 100%. Though as a child you would not have visualized on such a grand scale!!!
 
One can see the tops of the castle from a long way, and the excitement builds up. You lose it as you take a turning and there it appears again...
For lack of time we had to miss the cloisters, the queen's terrace, , the chapel etc.
  
The above photographs from the brochure given at the entrance. 
  
It is a beautiful climb up to the castle. The retaining walls to the castle are still in good condition and well maintained.
The Park and the Palace are beautifully intertwined , the natural and the man made. Looking at the lush green trees and the landscape, to think it was a barren land originally is unimaginable...
Situated on hill, commanding a picturesque and scenic view of the country around, the various twists and turns one takes to reach the top is a great experience...
A 19th. century Romanticism, combining Moorish gates, onion shaped domes, arches, and hand made ceramic tile cladded facades, all blend beautifully with the bright yellow and red colours of the walls.
What is most amazing is the various architectural styles, all in one structure, exist side by side in harmony. There is no clashing of aesthetics. A treat to the eyes...
 
 
The last Portugese kings to live at Pena are Don Carlos 1 and Dona Amelia between 1889 - 1908 and Don Manuel 11 from 1908 - 1910.

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