Palacio da Pena started as a small chapel built sometime in the middle ages. The chapel still remains in the back (adjacent to the clock tower). In the 16th century, a small monastary was built (also adjacent to the clocktower) housing less than 20 monks. In the 18th century, the site was heavily damaged by lightening and then the great earthquake of 1755. King Ferdinand II nearly completed (re)building it in it's current state as a palace in 1842, but had major disagreements with the architect and called for many additions and changes, demanding the incorporation of many more architecture styles. Since then it has served as a summer retreat for royal families and even to this day is occasionally used for state occasions by government officials.