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.
It certainly looks an interesting place!
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Thank’s Malcolm!
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Wow! It looks beautiful and mysterious too. If the caves could talk what secrets they hold…right?
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The caves are certainly very mysterious, and a bit scary when you walk through. Thanks for stopping by!
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Your post is beautiful with the introduction of this remarkable place in
Sinatra, Portugal. Your photos give a near and real feel and I particularly love the one from the grottos that is all golden.
Miriam
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Thank you so much Miriam for enjoying my post! Xx
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😊 my predictive text made Sintra into Sinatra. Would you be so sweet and correct …
thanks
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Hahaha….that’s funny.
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Astonishing!
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Thank you!
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“Leda,” if I’m not wrong, was the mother of Helen of Troy. Zeus came down in the form of a swan and raped Leda. The offspring, Helen, being a demigoddess, was naturally the most beautiful woman in the world. A man named Paris (I think) abducted her and ran, and this outrage was the start of the Trojan War, according to legend… Hopefully this was the same Leda… Interesting place. Thanks.
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I read the story about Helen of Troy, but I think the Leda cave does not have a connection with that. I’m going to investigate it. Thanks for the info.
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Very Beautiful! Thank You for sharing !….and Exploring!
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Thank you very much!
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Maravilhoso e místico!
Acho que em Sintra… é tudo bonito!
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Linda a cidade de Sintra. VC ja conhece? Obrigado pelo comentário.
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Vivi muitos anos perto de Sintra, sempre com a serra no horizonte. Hoje vivo entre Lisboa e Sintra. Mas desde a minha adolescência que aquela serra faz parte… da minha alma!!
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Amo Sintra. Sempre que vou a Portugal tenho que ir a Sintra.
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Nice palace, the cave must have been very interesting to see in person.
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The cave was my favourite part of it. It was a bit scary too. Thank you.
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Very interesting and as usual you’ve done a comprehensive tour for our eyes to feast on.
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(I think my comment went into cyberspace or SPAM) … You had a very interesting post and comprehensive as usual so that we feel as though we were traveling alongside you through these historical places and caves.
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I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thanks a lot Linda. X
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Wow–Portugal’s definitely on our list–thanks for the beautiful pictures!
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You’re welcome!
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Wow, this place is utterly incredible! The amount to see and the natural beauty is amazing, especially with the Waterfall Lake and that Leda’s Cave to explore. Great photos, I want to go! 🙂
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You must go there. It’s quite an interesting place to visit. The city of Sintra has a lot to offer. Thank you.
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What a beautiful and interesting place!
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Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed.
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Amazing photos! It looks spectacular 😊
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Thanks so much Amelia! I hope you’d had a great Xmas.
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What a wonderful place to explore!
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Thank you!
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