Here’s lots more colourful pictures taken at the magical Pena Palace in Sintra.
From exotic bird of paradise plants to Moorish turrets and a child’s paintbox palette, the palace is a tourists dream.
All set against a perfect blue sky we couldn’t have picked a better day to immerse ourselves in the crazy world of the Pena Summer Palace.
Below you can see an ornately carve window that shows a newt, symbolizing the allegory of creation of the world.
The palace is located high on a hill with a one way traffic system and relatively small amounts of parking, making it a bit difficult to get to if you have mobility issues.
However once inside the estate gates a shuttle bus will ferry you further up the hill to the actual castle although there is still a bit of a walk at the top.
Below you can see the clock tower and details from a tiled window.
Apparently Palacio Pena translated into English means the Feather Place, a whimsical, apt name for such a flamboyant display.
As you wander the palace walls you have wonderful views across the countryside and you can also glimpse one of the other castles – the Moorish Castle, a magnificent ruin that we’ll visit later.
I’ll finish on yet more magical colours. Next up we check out the interior and also wander the wider palace grounds.
