Palacio da Pena

Nothing can quite prepare you for the 'over the top' brilliance of the Palacio da Pena. It was built around1840 as a mountain retreat for members of the Portugese royal family and is very much a last throw of the dice for the monarchy as it was superseded by the republic in 1910. Within a year the republicans had opened it as a public historical venue. In some ways it defines 'kitsch', a glorious conglomeration of different styles. Once you have conquered the climb up to the house you can revel in the incredible views it offers from every window and balcony.