Palacio da Pena triton photogrammetry scan

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The Arch of the Triton stands out as a mysterious architectural element within the Palace of Pena. Initially referred to as the "Allegoric Gate to the creation of the World" in the 19th century, its most striking feature is undoubtedly its depiction of a mythological creature known as Triton, a being with the upper body of a man and the lower half of a fish. The entire arch is divided into two distinct realms: the aquatic world below and the terrestrial world above. On the ground level, the canopied Neo-Gothic arch, adorned with small columns resembling scales, is framed by coral bearing three shells, upon which Triton sits. This area represents the domain of water. In contrast, the upper floor features plants that symbolize the terrestrial world: the head of Triton rises out of a tree, surrounded by vines that cover the entire bow-window and appear to be held aloft by the monster itself. The transition between these two realms is facilitated by water weeds, which grow along the border between the aquatic and terrestrial worlds, with Triton visible behind them.