On a hilltop high above Sintra stands the Pena Palace. It has a long history. It all began in the Middle Ages, when a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Pena was built. In 1493, King John II of Portugal ordered the construction of a monastery. The 1755 earthquake severely damaged the monastery. It was not until the 19th century that the ruins on the hill were transformed into a palace.
The multicolored Pena Palace that we see today is the result of additions made by the Portuguese monarchs who lived here. It is a mix of many styles, with medieval and Islamic elements being the most visible. The palace's façade has ornate windows and is covered in decorations and symbolism.
