Quinta Da Regaleira is one of Europes many historic gems. Classified as a world heritage site by UNESCO. Quinta Da Regaleria was built in the 20th century in the middle of a dense forest. It’s considered one of Portugal’s top attractions and is located near the historic centre of Sintra.
This amazing gothic structure were the dreams of Antonio Augosto. To make his dreams into reality, Antonio worked with the famous Italian opera set designer and architect Luigi Manini. And as a result, the ‘Regaleira’ is a combination of Roman, Gothic, Renaissance and Manueline styles.
A Place To Be Admired
The Regaleira is a special place which must be experienced firsthand. The palace is something to be admired, but so are the beautiful surrounding landscaped gardens. These gardens are magical and will leave you breathless. They feature lakes, grottoes, benches, underground passage ways, fountains and even a chapel.
There are also two big ‘initiation wells’ which were built for ceremonial purposes. However, these wells were never actually used for water! Instead, each contain a spiral staircase with two small landings. And these landings connect to other tunnels via a series of underground walkways.
Weaving Footpaths Take You On A Journey
The grounds are made up of weaving footpaths which take you through beautiful dense woodlands. Dotted along the way you will find lots of decorative and symbolic structures. There are also many turrets providing breathtaking views over the land.
Right in front of the palace is a small Roman Catholic chapel. The architecture of the chapel closely mimics that of the palace. And the interior boasts extravagant stained glass windows along with detailed stuccoes of religious depictions.
The Facade of Quinta Da Regaleira
The palace façade is decorated with detailed gothic peaks, gargoyles and towers. The interior is ornate with carved fireplaces, frescoes and Venetian glass mosaics. Many mythological symbols are also incorporated throughout the interior.
The palace has five floors. You could spend hours exploring the many hallways and staircases that connect to the endless rooms. Though the best part is reaching the top of the palace and walking out onto the balcony. The view is outstanding giving an amazing view of Sintra valley.
With a mix of architecture, landscapes and beautiful interiors, Quinta da Regaleira is a designers dream. If you’re lucky enough to be able to go one day, I suggest taking a quality camera to capture the magic and mystery of this legendary site.
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