The Enchanting Palace of Pena

I visited the Palace of Pena perched high on the hills above Cintra, recollecting Gothic, Renaissance, and Manueline style architecture on top of Islamic culture. Palace incorporates various symbols from pagan mythology and Catholic faith. Despite its eclectic architecture, the Palace of Pena exudes a certain romantic expressionism that charmed me. It is a treasure in the heart of Sintra's mountains offering breathtaking views. The lush green flora and fauna surrounding the Palace form a natural moat along with walls. This palace tells the story of the noble families of Portugal and their love for Art. The oldest tunnels under the palace were used for espionage missions by the rulers of Portugal. The Palace also has a spooky chamber for initiation rituals conducted by terrorists. I found it intriguing how old ideologies evolved into newer ones, and how human consciousness and imagination change over time and geography.