The Romantic Castle

What does the Palace of Pena have in common with Disneyland’s fairytale castles? Actually, nothing at all! But it does have a great deal in common with the many romantic castles built in Germany in the 19th century, preceding Louis II of Bavaria’s famous Neuschwanstein by 30 years.

This tour of the romantic castle of Pena will tell the story of two central Europeans, King Ferdinand II and his architect, Baron Eschwege, who commemorated the history of Portugal in a very Germanic way by creating the royal family’s most romantic castle. The tour offers a chance to peek into the sophisticated spaces where King Ferdinand and his second wife, the Countess of Edla, as well as King Carlos I and Queen Amélie of Orléans, once lived.

As an added bonus, you’ll also discover the natural environment surrounding the palace at its most beautiful if the sun’s shining, or at its most atmospheric if there’s mist or wind (as there often is).