Sintra is one of the most iconic places in Portugal. Just about 25 km from Lisbon, the village is very picturesque and its cultural landscape classified as World Heritage by UNESCO.
It’s in the middle of this scene we find Quinta da Regaleira.
Regaleira Palace
The place is fascinating. Not only for its the buildings and magnificent gardens, as well for all the mysticism that surrounds it, carried away by the alchemical symbols scattered everywhere.
Also, its location adds, even more, magic to the story: the slope of the Serra de Sintra, also known as Holy Mountain, as called by historians Varro and Columella, or Moon Mountain, dubbed by astronomer Ptolemy.
António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro bought the property from Regaleira’s Viscountess in 1893.
Carvalho Monteiro then would order the Italian architect Luigi Manini the design of the Quinta da Regaleira, as we know it today: four hectares of lush gardens, ponds, fountains, labyrinthine caves, towers and a breathtaking palace.
Tunnel at the gardens
Like the Initiatory Well, for example. This is just one of the entry points to the underground galleries of Regaleira and integrates the so-called “initiatory journey”: the East Cave, the Cascade Lake, the Imperfect Well, the Guardians Portal and the Initiatory Well.
In this last one, you’ll notice that it’s an inverted tower plunging 25 meters inside the earth by a spiral staircase. Walking through the labyrinthine tunnels and arriving at the well, start to rise to the surface, as getting out of hell into the heaven. 😉
Here the bustle is always big, making it sometimes impossible to take a picture without having an arm with a camera in front of you or hordes of tourists roaming up and down the staircase.
Initiation Well
I could write a gigantic post with all that you can be seen in Quinta da Regaleira, its history, and symbolism, but nothing like a visit to the site (entry € 6) to get it all in.
And to spike, even more, curiosity, I leave you with this video, the first on the Surfer Girl On The Move channel. And if you want to get to know more places to visit in Sintra, check out this post from my friend blogger Catarina Leonardo, from Viajar pela História. Hope you enjoy it! 🙂
Have you ever been to Regaleira? What did you think? Tell me all about it in the comment box.
🌕
Leave a Comment
Pingback: CAPE ROCA – AT THE END OF EUROPE | Surfer Girl on the Move on April 12, 2016
7 COMMENTS
Sanne - Spend Life Traveling
6 years agoNice video, this looks like such a beautiful place! I haven’t been to Portugal in years but this definitely makes me want to go back.
Marlene Marques
6 years ago AUTHORYou should definitely visit Sintra. Is beautiful and full of places of historic interest. And super close to Lisbon. 😉
PRERNA SINHA
6 years agoLooks like a lovely place, but do write a bit about it too. I would love to read more.
Marlene Marques
6 years ago AUTHORHi Prerna Sinha. In this post I already give you some bit of information about this site. It is so rich in history that I wouldn’t be able to write it all in just one post even if I wanted to. But I hope I’ve spiked your curiosity for a personal visit. 😉 Thanks!
Kassie
6 years agoThis sounds so cool! I love the pic of the staircase. I’m heading to Lisbon in the Spring so I will keep this in mind for a day trip!
Marlene Marques
6 years ago AUTHORHi, Kassie. You must visit Sintra during your stay in Portugal. You’ll love it! Quinta da Regaleira is a must and I also suggest a visit to Palácio da Pena (Pena Palace). 🙂