Quinta da Regaleira

Sintra, Portugal

Quinta da Regaleira is an estate located near the historic center of Sintra. It is classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO within the 'Cultural Landscape of Sintra'. Along with the other palaces in the area such as the Quinta do Relógio, Pena, Monserrate and Seteais palaces, it is considered one of the principal tourist attractions of Sintra. The property consists of a romantic palace and chapel, and a luxurious park that features lakes, grottoes, wells, benches, fountains, and a vast array of exquisite constructions. The palace is also known as 'The Palace of Monteiro the Millionaire', which is based on the nickname of its best known former owner, António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro.

The land was sold in 1892 to Carvalho Monteiro. Monteiro was eager to build a bewildering place where he could collect symbols that reflected his interests and ideologies. With the assistance of the Italian architect Luigi Manini, he recreated the 4-hectare estate. In addition to other new features, he added enigmatic buildings that allegedly held symbols related to alchemy, Masonry, the Knights Templar, and the Rosicrucians. The architecture Manini designed evoked Roman, Gothic, Renaissance, and Manueline styles. The construction of the current estate commenced in 1904 and much of it was completed by 1910.

The estate was later sold in 1942 to Waldemar d'Orey, who used it as private residence for his extensive family. He ordered repairs and restoration work for the property. In 1987, the estate was sold, once again, to the Japanese Aoki Corporation and ceased to serve as a residence. The corporation kept the estate closed to the public for ten years, until it was acquired by the Sintra Town Hall in 1997. Extensive restoration efforts were promptly initiated throughout the estate. It finally opened to the public in June 1998 and began hosting cultural events.

The Regaleira Palace bears the same name as the entire estate. The structure's façade is characterized by exuberantly Gothic pinnacles, gargoyles, capitals, and an impressive octagonal tower.

The palace contains five floors. The ground floor consists of a series of hallways that all connect the living room, dining room, billiards room, balcony, some smaller rooms, and several stairways. In turn, the first upper floor contains bedrooms and a dressing room. The second upper floor contains Carvalho Monteiro's office, and the bedrooms of female servants. The third upper floor contains the ironing room and a smaller room with access to a terrace. Finally, the basement contains the male servants' bedrooms, the kitchen (which featured an elevator for lifting food to the ground floor), and storage rooms.

The Regaleira Chapel is a Roman Catholic Chapel, and stands in front of the palace's main façade. Its architecture is akin to the palace's. The interior of the chapel is richly decorated with frescoes, stained glass windows and lavish stuccoes. The frescoes contain representations of Teresa of Ávila and Saint Anthony, as well as other religious depictions. Meanwhile, the floor itself offers depictions of the armillary sphere of the Portuguese discoveries and the Order of Christ Cross, surrounded by pentagrams. Despite its relatively small size, the chapel has several floors.

Much of the four hectares of land in the surrounding estate consists of a densely treed park lined with myriad roads and footpaths. The woods are neatly arranged in the lower parts of the estate, but are left wild and disorganized in the upper parts, reflecting Carvalho Monteiro's belief in primitivism. Decorative, symbolic, and lively structures can be found throughout the park.

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Details

Founded: 1904
Category: Palaces, manors and town halls in Portugal

Rating

4.8/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Mike Azran (5 months ago)
This is the most surreal,lush, gorgeous place ever!!! So many nooks to walk through is the most beautiful forest terrain. I really can't think of a more beautiful castle with these grounds in recent memory. Plan to spend a few hours just to walk these breathtaking pathways. Don't pass up the well either. The line looks crazy long and we waited 25 minutes for one of the coolest descents ever. Love love love this place!
King King (5 months ago)
I recently had the privilege of visiting Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra, Portugal, and I am still in awe of the breathtaking natural beauty that awaits you there. This enchanting estate is truly a hidden gem nestled amidst the lush greenery of Sintra's landscape. Upon entering Quinta da Regaleira, I was immediately transported into a fairytale-like setting. The sprawling gardens, adorned with exotic plants, towering trees, and whimsical pathways, create an atmosphere of wonder and exploration. It felt like stepping into a magical realm, where every corner held a delightful surprise. However, I must admit that the place is like a maze, and it's easy to get confused and lost amidst the enchanting surroundings. I highly recommend taking the time to study the map and familiarize yourself with the layout before embarking on your adventure. Trust me, it will save you some wandering and ensure that you don't miss any of the hidden treasures within the estate. As I meandered through the grounds, I discovered a multitude of captivating features. From the ornate fountains and cascading waterfalls to the mystical grottoes and hidden tunnels, each element of Quinta da Regaleira showcases intricate craftsmanship and a deep appreciation for nature's beauty. It felt like stepping into a living work of art. The highlight of my visit was undoubtedly the Initiation Well, an architectural marvel that descends deep into the ground. This well, also known as the "Inverted Tower," is not only a stunning sight but also holds fascinating ties to the Knights Templar. The Knights Templar, a medieval Christian military order, is believed to have had a presence in Sintra, and it is said that the Initiation Well was used for secretive initiation rituals. As I descended the spiral staircase of the Initiation Well, I couldn't help but feel a sense of intrigue and mystery. It's as if the well holds secrets and stories from centuries past, waiting to be unraveled. The intricate symbolism and design of the well, with its nine platforms and spiral staircase, are believed to represent the nine circles of Hell from Dante's Inferno. It is a testament to the rich history and mysticism associated with the Knights Templar. The view from the bottom of the Initiation Well is simply awe-inspiring and offers a unique perspective on the estate. Looking up, surrounded by the damp stone walls, I couldn't help but imagine the ancient ceremonies that were once held in this very spot. It's a glimpse into a world shrouded in legend and mystery. Throughout my visit, I was struck by the preservation and care taken to maintain the historical integrity of Quinta da Regaleira. The attention to detail, from the restoration of the grand palace to the meticulous upkeep of the gardens, is truly commendable. It's evident that the estate holds immense cultural and historical significance, and I am grateful for the opportunity to experience it firsthand. In conclusion, Quinta da Regaleira is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to be immersed in the beauty of nature, captivated by the allure of history, and intrigued by the connections to the Knights Templar. While it may be a bit confusing to navigate at times, the effort is well worth it. So take your time, study the map, and let the magic of this extraordinary place unfold before your eyes. It's a journey you won't soon forget.
David Morton (5 months ago)
This is genuinely one of the most incredible places I’ve visited. For 12 euros you get access to the main building which is a is a work of art and the surrounding grounds, initiation well, the grotto and waterfall make. this is a genuinely unmissable stop on a trip to Sintra. You will most likely have a bit of a wait to get into the initiation well but it is ‘well’ worth the wait…… other than that i honestly have nothing negative to say.
Maddie Deer (5 months ago)
Absolutely stunning! You can spend hours exploring the gardens here. To avoid the crowds come early. It is not necessary to buy tickets in advance.
Madeline Klein (5 months ago)
The initiation well is a popular Instagram spot, but this place has so much more! The well had a line to get in, but it was probably only about a 15 minute wait. The rest of the gardens had several structures, fountains, a cave grotto, and beautiful plants. The mansion had nicely decorated rooms and information signs explaining the history of the place. We spent two and a half hours here moving at a relatively slow pace, and still didn’t even see the top corner of the gardens. They also have bathrooms and a cafe for anyone interested.
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