1. Pena National Palace is a colorful and eclectic palace located in Sintra, Portugal, about 30 minutes by train from Lisbon. It was built in the 19th century on the ruins of an old monastery by King Ferdinand II. The palace is a mix of architectural styles, including Gothic, Moorish, and Renaissance, and features many intricate details, such as statues, turrets, and ornate tile-work. The palace is surrounded by a lush forest and gardens, which include exotic plants and hidden paths. Some interesting facts about the palace include:
- The iconic red and yellow colors of the palace were chosen to evoke the colors of the Portuguese flag.
- The palace was used as a summer residence for the Portuguese royal family until the late 19th century.
- The palace is sometimes referred to as the \"Disney Castle\" due to its fanciful appearance and resemblance to the castles in Disney movies.
- The palace was used as a hospital during World War II and later as a residence for Portuguese exiled kings.
2. The Pena National Palace is open daily from 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM (last admission at 6:00 PM) from March to October, and from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (last admission at 5:00 PM) from November to February. The palace is closed on December 25th. The phone number for the palace is +351 219 237 300.
3. To visit the Pena National Palace, visitors can buy tickets at the palace entrance or online in advance. The price of admission is €14 for adults and €12.50 for students and seniors. Children under 6 years old are free. Visitors can reach the palace by public transportation from Lisbon, taking the train from Rossio Station to Sintra and then taking a bus or tuk-tuk to the palace. Alternatively, visitors can take a guided tour or hire a private car or taxi for transportation.
