• Quinta da Regaleira

Palacio da Regaleira is a mansion near Sintra’s center which was reconstructed and renovated in the late19th century, by Antonio Monteiro, a free Mason who incorporated Pagan and occult symbols in the amassing garden and park surrounding the mansion. The mansion was built in Gothic and Manueline style, while implementing Renaissance style decorations and various structures of different styles in the park.
This villa and its park are a must visit when visiting Sintra.
The mansion facade is built in Neo Gothic style, with pinnacles, gargoyles, capitals, an impressive octagonal tower and spires. Inside the luxurious villa five floors and numerous rooms, all highly decorated and with preserved and restored period furniture. Outside, in front of the main building facade, visit the Roman Catholic chapel richly decorated with frescoes, stained glass windows and beautiful stuccoes.
But its the tranquil, mystical, and enchanting park that surrounds the villa which is the main attraction here. The magnificent park includes lakes, a waterfall and fountains, and various symbolic and highly decorated structures and stone features. The park is dense with various tree’s species brought in from all over the world. Stroll the network of roads and trails to enjoy the system of tunnels, grottoes, towers and bridges, and two wells used probably for ceremonial purposes with straight and spiral staircases and side niches.
Quinta da Regaleira can get very crowded in the travel season peak times. Try to visit the villa early in the morning or in the afternoon/evening to fully enjoy its charm.

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The garden of Quinta Da Regaleira Palace in Sintra near Lisbon, Portugal

The Masonic Initiation well (Poço Iniciático) in Quinta da Regaleira is one of the attractions of the palace and garden part of a network of underground tunnels connecting different parts of the garden, in Sintra near Lisbon, Portugal