For centuries people have recognized that the hills and wooded areas around Sintra, with their extraordinary views of the Portuguese coastline, are exceptionally beautiful.  In the 19th century, at the height of the Romantic Movement, the German Dom Ferdinand II built the Palacio de Pena as a summer retreat for his friends and family.  My "Time Out Guide to Lisbon" says it is "a pastiche of various architectural styles."  Janet said it looked like "a cross between a German hunting lodge and a Turkish bath."

Visitors to the palace

There's Janet at the front gate.

I've seen better at Disneyland.

But the view is spectacular.

There's the Moorish Castle.

Janet takes in the view.

And what a view it is.  That's the Atlantic Ocean in the background.

More view

The world travelers

A gargoyle guards the gate

And he's suitably ugly

But the tiles, as usual, are strikingly beautiful

Artsy shot by Janet

The Palacio de Pena as seen from the Moorish Castle

Another view of the Palacio

The main gate

Just a short rest

Pretty or ugly?  You tell me.

Pretty

Pretty ugly

Taking in the view

Enough is too much

That's enough.  Bye, now.