Quinta da Regaleira

"Acquired by Baroness da Regaleira, daughter of Alfredo Allen, a wealthy Porto merchant in 1840, the property became a gallant summer retreat, with a mansion, chapel and garden and became known as Quinta da Torre da Regaleira. In 1893 it was sold at public auction by António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro (1848-1920), a man of vast culture, whose fortune had been accumulated in Brazil, who added other parcels of land to it, taking its current form. Carvalho Monteiro, a deep lover of the glorious national epic, translated at the time by the 'revivalist' taste of neo-Manueline architecture, was inspired for the construction of his mansion and respective chapel, both by the structural and decorative eclecticism of Pena, and by the assumed neo-Manueline style of Buçaco Palace, the latter designed by Luigi Manini (1848-1936). Some of the spaced interiors that stand out are: - Hunting Room: The dining room is dominated by the monumental fireplace topped by the sculpture of Monteiro. In this fireplace, the theme of hunting stands out with exceptional execution in stonework. From the polychromy of the Venetian mosaic to the corbels of the vault, the theme of the cycle of life shines through. - Octagonal Room: Suggests the Charola of the Convent of Christ in Tomar - Sala dos Reis: Former billiards room, 20 kings and 4 queens of the Portuguese monarchy and the shields of the cities of Braga, Porto, Lisbon and Coimbra are represented there"

"After being first in line at the bakery that morning, we set ourselves up to be among the first people in the Quinta De Regaliera as well. Once inside, we set straight off for the famous well, since we had heard that a queue typically forms as the day goes on. Luckily, we had no issues and were able to descend down the spiral stairs along the walls with only a few other visitors. Coming back above ground through a few tunnels, we spent the next few ours exploring the rest of the estate. The buildings themselves are works of art, full of magnificent craftsmanship and details. The gardens are absolutely gorgeous, with beautifully maintained plants and flowers, a few ponds, and countless statues. Everywhere you turn there are more beautiful things to see, it would be easy to spend more than a full day exploring the stunning grounds."

"It is one of the most beautiful palaces in Sintra and also one of the most mysterious. This historic estate is famous for its unique architecture, beautiful gardens and mysterious esoteric symbols. The emblem of the Quinta da Regaleira is the famous initiation well, a deep and mysterious circular tower located in the heart of the gardens. 👣How to get there: reachable on foot from Palacio Nacional de Sintra (950m, 15min). Bus stop: Quinta da Regaleira, line 1253. 🎟️Ticket cost:full price 12£-reduced price 7£, free entry for under 5. "