Pena Palace Inside

The Manueline Cloister is a highlight inside Pena Palace. Visitors follow the historical path used by the Royal Family until 1910, mirroring the monks' entrance before 1834. Ferdinand II enhanced this entry with a twin staircase. The cloister is part of the well-preserved Hieronymite convent remnants, including the dining area, sacristy, and Manueline-Renaissance chapel.

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D. Fernando II transformed the former convent refectory, which featured a magnificent 16th-century Manueline ribbed vault, into an exclusive dining room for the royal family. A noteworthy element in this space is the table, designed to be versatile and cater to various daily needs. The table is elegantly set, showcasing a collection of plates from porcelain services that have been preserved in the palace since the monarchy era. Within the pantry cupboard, visitors can observe two distinct sets of dinnerware, featuring King Fernando II's monogram and the second set, crafted by Pickman in Seville which boasts a blue stripe.

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In contrast to his grandfather D. Fernando, D. Carlos chose to reside on the lower floor of the Manueline cloister within the Park and inside Palace of Pena, while his wife, Queen D. Amélia, occupied the rooms on the upper floor. The Cabinet of King D. Carlos served as both a workspace and living area for the king, positioned before his bedroom. Following the Cabinet, another section was converted by D. Carlos into the King's Bathroom, reflecting the scientific advancements of the 19th century. 

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Located inside the Pena Palace, this room holds significant historical importance as it served as the main bedroom for D. Fernando II and later Queen D. Amélia. The room's decoration is characterised by painted stucco adorned with a neo-Moorish pattern, implemented in 1882 by Domingos Meira. This ornate design reflects D. Fernando's penchant for exoticism, drawing inspiration from the Islamic heritage deeply ingrained in Portuguese culture.

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Within the Park and Palace of Pena, there are notable rooms associated with Queen D. Amélia, such as her dressing room and bathroom. In this space, one can still find the original dressing table, a spacious wardrobe, and a mirror with 12 drawers. The decorative elements feature painted stucco, skillfully imitating various types of wood, a popular trend in the latter half of the 19th century. Adjacent to D. Amélia's private quarters is the Tea Room, which served as an extension of her personal space. It functioned as the room where the queen would enjoy tea, and it was also a space where she would receive visits from her close associates.

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This particular area within the Park and Palace of Pena had various uses over time. Noteworthy relics from the queen's era, such as the secretary where D. Amélia would compose her correspondence, and the rosewood shelves, have been carefully preserved. These items provide a glimpse into the queen's daily activities and work. The wooden columns, for instance, have stood for generations, witnessing the transformations of the space. The Spanish counter, along with Meissen porcelain pieces, have been cherished since the days of the Countess of Edla, adding a touch of historical significance to the surroundings.

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This particular room holds a distinct feature within the palace—it showcases the sole mural painting with figuration throughout the entire establishment. Cartouches placed above the windows display views of the palace, capturing its ongoing construction during that period. Remarkably, the collection of antique Portuguese furniture has remained in this room since the palace's initial construction, lending a sense of historical continuity. Recently, the original decor of this room was meticulously restored, aiming to recreate the ambiance envisioned by King Fernando II in the 19th century.

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The Sala Verde, situated inside the National Palace of Pena, holds the distinction of being the first room in the palace to receive mural decoration. The captivating green chiaroscuro painting that adorns the walls has endured over time and can still be appreciated today. This room originally served as an antechamber to the Visiting Room, welcoming guests into the palace.

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The chapel within the Pena National Palace originated from the transformation of the former monastic church dedicated to Nossa Senhora da Pena.The centrepiece of the chapel is the remarkable altarpiece located on the main altar. One of the notable features in the chapel is the stained glass window portraying King Fernando II, which can be found on the wall opposite the main altar. The inclusion of this window exemplifies the artistic aspirations and political legitimacy that underpinned the construction of the Palace, serving as a visual representation of its significance.

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Pena Palace consists of two wings: a pink-painted structure constructed atop a former monastery and a newly added yellow-painted wing. Encircling the palace are enchanting watchtowers, battlements, and a drawbridge, reminiscent of a fairy tale. These diverse watchtowers offer captivating views from Sintra Hill's second-highest viewpoint. Notably, the palace earned the esteemed title of one of Portugal's Seven Wonders on July 7, 2007.

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The Noble Hall stands as the grandest room inside Pena Palace, boasting an expansive space. Adorning the shelves of the sofas, you will find an impressive collection of oriental porcelain amassed by D. Fernando. Japanese and Chinese pieces grace the space. A magnificent chandelier adorned with 72 candles and four oil lamps, along with additional torch-like chandeliers, all crafted from gold-plated brass, reflect a preference for Gothic-style designs. Furthermore, three windows in the salon feature elements from the monarch's collection of Central European stained glass, further enhancing the room's aesthetic allure.

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Situated inside Pena Palace, the Courtyard of Arches is a terrace renowned for its sweeping vistas. Its name derives from the arches framing panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Sintra Hills. This viewpoint offers a glimpse of the Park of Pena, a transformation by Ferdinand who turned the rugged hills into a romantic park adorned with trees sourced globally..

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The inside of Pena Palace is adorned with intricate stuccos, columns adorned with diverse patterns, ceilings designed in the Moorish arch style, and a significant portion of the original monastery's chapel. Within the walls of Pena Palace, numerous rooms are adorned with trompe-l'oeil paintings, a captivating technique that skillfully creates the illusion of depth

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The Queen's Terrace at Pena Palace offers a stunning experience for visitors, providing grand vistas of the palace, Sintra Valley, and Moorish Castle. Facing the terrace is the prominent High Cross, situated atop the Sintra mountain range. This vantage point offers an expansive panorama, spanning from the distant ocean on one side to the eastern view of Lisbon.

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King Carlos' Office, connected to his bedroom, functioned as his workspace and retreat. Adorning its walls are fabric paintings, personally crafted by King Carlos, portraying nymphs and fawns within the Pena Park. Tragically, the artworks might have remained incomplete, a result of the 1908 regicide that claimed the lives of King Carlos and his eldest son.

When exploring the Pena Palace inside, visitors are treated to a wealth of stunning interiors. The King and Queen's bedrooms are prime examples, with the King's bedroom featuring a regal and masculine design and the Queen's bedroom exuding a romantic and feminine feel. The lavish furnishings and intricate details of both rooms make them must-see attractions inside the Pena Palace.

Another must-see room is the iconic Arabic Room, where intricate designs inspired by Moorish architecture come alive with vibrant colours and intricate patterns adorning the walls and ceiling. This room is a shining example of the Romanticism architectural style and is one of the palace's most famous attractions.

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The Pena Palace Architecture is a unique blend of various architectural styles, including Gothic, Moorish, and Renaissance. The palace's colourful façade and intricate details showcase the Romanticism architectural style, which was popular during the palace's construction in the 19th century. The Pena Palace interior is just as impressive, with grand halls and intricate decorations that are sure to leave visitors in awe.

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