| It is one of the most attractive places on the Serra de Sintra, owing
to the spell of romanticism that emanates from its greenness and the wide
stretches of countryside that can be glimpsed from it. The way that the
trees have been arranged in contrasting clusters, setting off to advantage
the delicate note of the gardens, the graceful curve of a path, or the
sudden view of a pond, all show the artistic intent that governed the
planting of this park.
Cruz Alta. the highest point on the Serra (540 metres), with its 16th
Century cross (1522) and panoramic all-round view that embraces the
fantastic ensemble of the romantic Palace, is a place that should on
no account be missed by anyone visiting Pena Park.
Fernando II, one year after his morganatic second marriage to the Swiss-German
opera singer Countess d'Edla, was intended as a residence for his wife;
the romantic pavilion is most interesting, decorated with imitation
trees made of wood and cork, and fine stucco work inside, and is situated
near Arco do Mouco and the slope of Penedos Gordos. Another attractive
revivalist pavilion built at the orders of Dom Fernando II, with a chapel
dedicated to Saint Anthony, is on the height called Alto de Santa Catarina,
one of the less accessible points in the park. The cool shady surroundings,
the undisturbed silence of the delicately traced paths, the clear waterfalls
here and there the benches and shelters that provide welcome rest and
contemplation, the contrast with the rocky outcrops - all these things
combine to make a visit to Pena Park well worth while.
4 km from Old Quarter, Estrada da Pena - Sintra, 2710 -609 Sintra
Opening Times: 9.00 - 18.00
Last entry: 17.00
Open all year apart from Christmas & New Year
Admission: 3.50 €
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