Palácio Nacional da Pena

Description

"Palácio da Pena" in #Sintra began as a medieval chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Pena. In the early 16th century, Manuel I transformed it into a small Hieronymite monastery, housing up to 18 monks. Lightning and especially the 1755 Lisbon earthquake left it mostly ruined, though the chapel survived.In 1838, Prince Ferdinand (later King consort Ferdinand II) acquired the ruins and lands, turning them into a romantic summer palace. From 1842–1854, German amateur architect Wilhelm von Eschwege rebuilt it in exuberant romantic style, mixing neo-gothic, neo-manueline, neo-Islamic, and neo-renaissance elements, complete with Moorish arches, vaulted ceilings, and eclectic details inspired by Portuguese landmarks like Belém Tower and Tomar’s Convent of Christ. Ferdinand and Queen Maria II shaped much of the decoration and symbolism.