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Quintada da Regaleira: Mystical Palace in the Forest
Quintada da Regaleira is an attraction near Sintra Portugal. Carualho Monteiro purchased the Quintada da Regaleira property in 1892. He hired Luiji Manini, an Italian opera set designer, to refurbish it as a summer residence. Monteiro’s interest in alchemy, Freemasons, the Knight Templar, and the Rosicrucians is symbolized throughout the design.
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The work was completed in 1910. Monteiro passed away in 1942 and the property changed hands several times before being purchased by the Sintra Town Counsel in 1997. Quintada da Regaleira is a UNESCO World Heritage Site within the Cultural Landscape of Sintra. It was opened to the public in 1998.
There is a promenade of statues leading to the palace of Quintada da Regaleira door. The palace itself is five stories with a Gothic façade, pinnacles, and gargoyles. The interior of the palace consists of a library, billiard room, and hunting room with scenes carved into the mantelpiece of a large fireplace. Frescoes and secret society symbols are throughout the home.
The gardens of Quintada da Regaleira are magnificent. The highlight of the garden is a 90 ft deep initiation well with a spiral staircase. Be sure to wander the winding paths of ferns and fruit trees past a waterfall, hidden tunnels, towers, fountains, shrines, a grotto, and a pond.
Tips For Your Visit to Quintada da Regaleira
The palace is close to Sintra Portugal and easy to get to. Finding your way around once inside is not as easy. I did not find the staff helpful and you will not be given a map. Maps are posted throughout the garden on 8×10 paper too small to read. Do this: enter the property and follow the arrows to the initiation well. Walk down the incredible spiral staircase to the bottom and follow the tunnel. You will end at a wishing pond with stone steps and a waterfall. From here explore the paths of fountains and duck in and out of tunnels. Check out the chapel before walking through the palace. There is a terrace café for a coffee break.
Be sure to check the Quintada da Regaleira website for current events
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