Masonic Mysteries of Regaleira!

Quinta da Regaleira is located in the historical centre of Sintra, Portugal. The land where this palace was built had many owners. 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 four hectares of land in the surrounding estate is formed by 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.

 

 

The park has an enigmatic system of tunnels which have multiple entry points that include: grottoes, the chapel, Waterfall Lake, and “Leda’s Cave,” which lies beneath the Regaleira Tower. The “Initiation Well” (see next section) connects to other tunnels via a series of underground walkways.

 

 

 

 

 

This was well planned, and it is magnificent. You can spend all day walking around, and there is always a surprise. It holds many hidden mysteries. It is one of my favourite palaces in Sintra. When you walk to Leda’s Cave it is quite scary and dark, sometimes you need to have your flashlight to see the path. It a very interesting place to visit.