When we made it to the Pena palace we were shocked at the long line leading into the castle. We still had an hour and a half before our scheduled time to enter the castle. Omar discovered a back door of sorts, up the stairs, through the cafe and suddenly an area that did not require a time slot. We could explore the chapel and take a walk around the exterior of the palace. The walk was a bit dicey as the path was not wide and the distance to the ground was very large. We wandered about looking in every nook and cranny. By the time we reached the front the line was as long as ever. So we made an executive decision to skip the interior of the Palace and head to lunch instead!
Approaching the palace
Just one more hill to climb
Ta da!
Most of what is seen is of fairly new construction
There was a Chapel there since the 1400's
Then a chapel was built after a virgin Mary sighting
Later a monastery was built but it got hit by lightning and then was severely damaged in 1755 earthquake
In 1838 the Prince Ferdinand acquired the lands, cheaply!
Later as King he built this palace amongst the ruins and on top of the ruins finishing the construction in 1858
More lovely flowers
We are approaching the main gates
It is a gem of 19th century Romantism architecture
Some morning glory vines at the base
Cant get this picture without the line of people
It is really very beautiful
This gate seems like it may be left over from the Monastery
The palace borrows much from the Moorish style
So many colors: red, blue, yellow and this pink tile section
The use of tiles is so ingenious
We chose not to stand in this line
An entrance to the older chapel, not sure that this survived the earthquake
Now I wonder how old each wall is in relation to the other walls
Nice doorway
Leading up to the Chapel
We can see forever
These walls would not be stopping any arrows
A riot of colors, patterns and shapes
Pink Tile work
The native rock sticking out of the wall
Into the inner sanctum the oldest part of the complex
It is good to be King
No detail spared
The alter is origional
Even the roof is detailed
Fantastic tile work
Growing right pout of the rocks
Natural stone
The four funsters
JC watching the path
On guard!
Way down at the Moorish Castle
The red end
Big boulders
Mr Snail
The cross that we hiked to
So many turrets
Yet another different side to the palace
The top of the main entry gate
Love the detail on the railing
Skinny stairs
Time to go!
What a detailed arch way
The line has not lessened
This gator has something in its teeth
A forgotten corner
Out we go through the main gate
A row of stately trees
A reminder of Patagonia trees
Squeeze in everyone
