Quinta da Regaleira

Sintra featuring heritage architecture and a castle

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Quinta da Regaleira is a Neo-Manueline Palace is located near the historic centre of Sintra and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The palace is set in the romantic scenery of a fairy-tale verdant garden, with footpaths, grottos, lakes and hidden wells, shrouded with mysterious tales of hidden tunnels and secret societies.

The property has changed ownership a number of times over the years. The Barons of Regaleira from Portom who owned it since its constructions, sold it to the millionaire, Carvalho Monteiro, in 1892. With the help of the Italian architect Luigi Manini (architect of La Scala Milan), he then remodelled the palace by adding buildings with enigmatic symbols, related to alchemy, Masonry and the Knights Templar. Later the Palace was sold to Waldemar d'Orey, who confined its usage to that of a private residence.

In 1987, Quinta da Regaleira was sold to the Japanese Aoki Corporation who kept it closed for ten years, until the Sintra Town Hall acquired it. It opened to the public in June of 1998. Today it hosts big cultural events.

Don’t miss the panoramic views from the octagonal tower over Sintra Hills (including Pena Palace) and the ocean. The chapel is also worth a visit for its fabulous frescoes. There’s also the Initiation Wells, which are used for ceremonial purposes, such as Tarot initiation rites.

Anyone interested in architecture or symbolism can easily spend a day there. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring a flashlight for those dark mysterious tunnels. Visiting Quinta da Regaleira is a truly magical experience.

Reviews of Quinta da Regaleira

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
68
" "5 - Excellent 58.62068965517241%
4 - Good
41
" "4 - Good 35.3448275862069%
3 - Okay
7
" "3 - Okay 6.0344827586206895%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
6 Jan 2020

Take your time to explore, we spent 3hours here without noticing the time fly by.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
16 Sep 2019

Don’t miss the Initiation Well at the top of the garden!

5/5 - Excellent

Aileen
11 Sep 2019

Be prepared for a climb, but really worth it. The queue for tickets can be long(and not too nice in the afternoon heat) so if you can buy an e-ticket online. Give yourself a few hours to look around.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
7 Sep 2019

Didn't go here

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
20 Jul 2019

Very OTT self indulgent 18th C palace and gardens. But worth a 1 hour visit towards end of day for less queues and heat. Seemed a bit of a mismash but I would imagine a great expereince for kids to wander around and fire their imaginations with grottos and tunnels.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
7 Jun 2019

Quirky buildings in beautiful gardens

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