Located in the magical town of Sintra, the Quinta da Regaleira is one of the most enchanting places in Portugal. This stunning estate is a testament to the creativity and vision of its creator, António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro, and is a must-see for anyone interested in architecture. Let’s take a look at the history behind Quinta da Regaleira, its architecture, and what you can expect when visiting.
History
Quinta da Regaleira was built between 1904 and 1910 by António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro, a wealthy Portuguese businessman who had a passion for art and architecture. He was fascinated by the mysteries of the Knights Templar, and he wanted to create a place that would reflect his interest in the occult, esotericism, and alchemy.
To bring his vision to life, Monteiro enlisted the help of the Italian architect Luigi Manini, who had previously worked on several other projects in Sintra.
Over the years, the Quinta da Regaleira changed hands several times, and it underwent several renovations. In the 1990s, it was purchased by the Sintra Town Council, which worked to restore the estate to its former glory.
Today, the Quinta da Regaleira is a popular tourist destination, and it is considered one of the most important cultural sites in Portugal.
Architecture
Designed by Italian architect Luigi Manini, Quinta da Regaleira is filled with stunning Gothic and Romanesque-inspired buildings, as well as intricate carvings and sculptures that reflect Monteiro’s interest in mythology and alchemy.
One of the most striking features of the Quinta da Regaleira is the Initiation Well, a deep, spiral staircase that leads down to a subterranean chamber. The well is thought to have been used for initiation ceremonies and was designed to evoke a sense of mystery.
Another notable feature of the estate is the Chapel of the Holy Trinity, a stunning Gothic-style chapel that features beautiful stained glass windows and intricate carvings.
In addition to these stunning buildings, the Quinta da Regaleira is also home to beautiful gardens and terraces, which are filled with fountains, sculptures, and hidden pathways.
Visiting Times & Tickets
Quinta da Regaleira is open everyday from 10 am to 5:30 pm. Tickets are valid for one entrance 120 days after purchase. Time slot reservations are not available.
A standard ticket costs 11 euros. However, there are a few discounts available:
- Visitors aged 65 to 80 – 6 euros
- Youth (6 to 17) – 6 euros
- Children – Free
- 80+ – Free
- Disabled people – Free
- Family ticket (2 adults + 2 youths) – 28 euros
