The history of this magical site reaches back to the 12th century, when King Manuel I ordered the construction of a Monastery, called the Royal Monastery of Our Lady of Pena.

In 1755 the earthquake that struck Lisbon left the monastery practically entirely in ruins, and only in 1836 when Queen Maria II married Ferdinand II, these ruins and the lands surrounding the property were purchased by the King, as he fell in love for Sintra. 

Ferdinand II was well known as King-Artist. As a collector, he planted tree species from every continent along the Pena Park, turning these 85 hectares in the most important nursery garden existing in Portugal.

Following the death of Queen Maria II in 1853, Ferdinand II married Elise Hensler, an opera singer and the Countess of Edla. Together, they built the Chalet of the Countess of Edla, located in the Park of Pena, and which visit is included in your ticket.