Quinta da Regaleira
Get Quinta Da Regaleira tickets to explore one of Portugal’s most intriguing and well-preserved areas filled with underground mazes that hold secrets and stories about religious orders. Located in Serra de Sintra, Quinta da Regaleira has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995.
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Visitor's guide
Must-see highlights & key info
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Discover Quinta da Regaleira’s mysticism—explore its stunning 19th-century estate, enchanting architecture, secret passages, and gardens.
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Get lost in the enchantment of hidden tunnels and 'Initiation Wells' that look like it was pulled straight out of a fairytale.
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Gain a deeper understanding of the Freemason symbolism and metaphors in the estate by upgrading to an audio guide or a live-guided tour.
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Opt for hosted tickets for a smooth entry and a quick overview of the estate's history, art, and myths before you venture off on your own!
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Fun fact: It is speculated that the Initiation Wells or Inverted Towers were used for initiation rites for the Knights Templar.
More details
-
Discover Quinta da Regaleira’s mysticism—explore its stunning 19th-century estate, enchanting architecture, secret passages, and gardens.
-
Get lost in the enchantment of hidden tunnels and 'Initiation Wells' that look like it was pulled straight out of a fairytale.
-
Gain a deeper understanding of the Freemason symbolism and metaphors in the estate by upgrading to an audio guide or a live-guided tour.
-
Opt for hosted tickets for a smooth entry and a quick overview of the estate's history, art, and myths before you venture off on your own!
-
Fun fact: It is speculated that the Initiation Wells or Inverted Towers were used for initiation rites for the Knights Templar.
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Stroll around the dreamy landscape of Quinta da Regaleira with a local expert and uncover mysteries hidden in plain sight.
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Dare to descend the world-famous Initiation Well to admire the whimsical tiered gardens and learn about its many legends.
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Marvel at the craftsmanship of Gothic elements like gargoyles and vaulted ceilings as you wander around sprawling green gardens and majestic halls.
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Listen to tales of Templar, the poets inspired by this enchanting villa, and its owner in the language of your comfort, English or Spanish.
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Fun fact: The Initiation Well isn't actually a well. This iconic 98-foot tower resembles a well but lacks any water source.
More details
-
Stroll around the dreamy landscape of Quinta da Regaleira with a local expert and uncover mysteries hidden in plain sight.
-
Dare to descend the world-famous Initiation Well to admire the whimsical tiered gardens and learn about its many legends.
-
Marvel at the craftsmanship of Gothic elements like gargoyles and vaulted ceilings as you wander around sprawling green gardens and majestic halls.
-
Listen to tales of Templar, the poets inspired by this enchanting villa, and its owner in the language of your comfort, English or Spanish.
-
Fun fact: The Initiation Well isn't actually a well. This iconic 98-foot tower resembles a well but lacks any water source.
- Experience the wonder of garden mazes, the Abundance Fountain, and the lush Greenhouse, all at your own pace with entry to Quinta da Regaleira.
- Step into the world of royalty with access to Sintra's Pena Palace & Park. Admire the colorful Camellia Garden, the ornate King's bedroom, and more.
- Add more insights and historical context to your tour with the option of audio guides. Tune into Monteiro's quest for truth and Pena's monastic past.
- Take advantage of the optional shuttle service at Pena Palace, saving yourself from a 30-minute walk between the entrance to the Park and the Palace.
- Fun fact: The Initiation Well at Quinta da Regaleira was designed to symbolize the nine circles of Dante’s Inferno and was used for esoteric rites.
More details
- Experience the wonder of garden mazes, the Abundance Fountain, and the lush Greenhouse, all at your own pace with entry to Quinta da Regaleira.
- Step into the world of royalty with access to Sintra's Pena Palace & Park. Admire the colorful Camellia Garden, the ornate King's bedroom, and more.
- Add more insights and historical context to your tour with the option of audio guides. Tune into Monteiro's quest for truth and Pena's monastic past.
- Take advantage of the optional shuttle service at Pena Palace, saving yourself from a 30-minute walk between the entrance to the Park and the Palace.
- Fun fact: The Initiation Well at Quinta da Regaleira was designed to symbolize the nine circles of Dante’s Inferno and was used for esoteric rites.
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Enjoy a well-planned day trip to Sintra from Lisbon, exploring the romantic Pena Palace and the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira.
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Hop on an AC coach and explore Freemasonry symbols with a guide fluent in English, French, Spanish, or Portuguese. The choice is all yours!
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Go for a quick getaway or choose a full-day trip to chase waves at the golden beaches of Cascais with tickets to Pena Palace and its gardens included.
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Craving more? Pick the full-day tour with a stop at Europe’s edge, Cabo da Roca, and checkout Bond-inspired casinos in Estoril.
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Fun fact: Sintra was a summer retreat for Portuguese Kings and Lord Byron describes it as 'glorious Eden' in his epic poem Childe Harold's Pilgrimage.
More details
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Enjoy a well-planned day trip to Sintra from Lisbon, exploring the romantic Pena Palace and the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira.
-
Hop on an AC coach and explore Freemasonry symbols with a guide fluent in English, French, Spanish, or Portuguese. The choice is all yours!
-
Go for a quick getaway or choose a full-day trip to chase waves at the golden beaches of Cascais with tickets to Pena Palace and its gardens included.
-
Craving more? Pick the full-day tour with a stop at Europe’s edge, Cabo da Roca, and checkout Bond-inspired casinos in Estoril.
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Fun fact: Sintra was a summer retreat for Portuguese Kings and Lord Byron describes it as 'glorious Eden' in his epic poem Childe Harold's Pilgrimage.
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Choose from the best selection of full-day tours from Lisbon to Sintra with a guide who speaks your language.
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Start your journey back in time at the Pena Palace, perched atop a mountain, surrounded by the Portugal spirit, sprawling gardens and stunning facade.
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Build sandcastles at Cascais' golden beaches or wave to the Atlantic from the westernmost point of mainland Europe. Tailor your day to your taste!
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Choose to expand your day with stops at Quinta da Regaleira’s ruins, and Casino Royal's Estoril. Spice it up with wine or pastry-tasting.
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Fun fact: Built by a Freemason, Quinta da Regaleira brims with symbolism, with whispers of an inverted pentagram hidden within its design.
More details
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Choose from the best selection of full-day tours from Lisbon to Sintra with a guide who speaks your language.
-
Start your journey back in time at the Pena Palace, perched atop a mountain, surrounded by the Portugal spirit, sprawling gardens and stunning facade.
-
Build sandcastles at Cascais' golden beaches or wave to the Atlantic from the westernmost point of mainland Europe. Tailor your day to your taste!
-
Choose to expand your day with stops at Quinta da Regaleira’s ruins, and Casino Royal's Estoril. Spice it up with wine or pastry-tasting.
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Fun fact: Built by a Freemason, Quinta da Regaleira brims with symbolism, with whispers of an inverted pentagram hidden within its design.
10% off
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Leverage priority access to the Moorish Castle and travel back to the Bronze, Iron, and Neolithic ages as you explore the ruins.
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Uncover treasures of Moors and venture into the exquisite landscape of the surrounding regions including Sintra, hills, Atlantic Ocean, and more.
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Enjoy exploring Quinta da Regaleira with a detailed multilingual audio guide consisting of stories, fun facts, anecdotes, and more about the place and its inhabitants.
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Explore the Aquarium, Abundance Fountain, Greenhouse, and more, at Quinta da Regaleira to make your experience complete.
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Fun fact: The Italian architect Luigi Manini designed the 4-hectare estate with its enigmatic buildings, believed to hide symbols related to alchemy, Masonry, the Knights Templar, and the Rosicrucians.
More details
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Leverage priority access to the Moorish Castle and travel back to the Bronze, Iron, and Neolithic ages as you explore the ruins.
-
Uncover treasures of Moors and venture into the exquisite landscape of the surrounding regions including Sintra, hills, Atlantic Ocean, and more.
-
Enjoy exploring Quinta da Regaleira with a detailed multilingual audio guide consisting of stories, fun facts, anecdotes, and more about the place and its inhabitants.
-
Explore the Aquarium, Abundance Fountain, Greenhouse, and more, at Quinta da Regaleira to make your experience complete.
-
Fun fact: The Italian architect Luigi Manini designed the 4-hectare estate with its enigmatic buildings, believed to hide symbols related to alchemy, Masonry, the Knights Templar, and the Rosicrucians.
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Save significantly by choosing the combo of two majestic palaces from different architectural eras giving you a glimpse into the best of Sintra.
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Visit Quinta da Regaleira, the UNESCO Heritage site of Sintra, and learn about its historical significance as you explore the palace and nearby garden at your pace.
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Take the time at another UNESCO World Heritage site, the Monserrate Palace & Park to explore the arts, sculptures, hallways, fountains, tapestries, and the legendary farmyard.
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Between the two landmarks, you get two elaborate botanical parks that present a great opportunity to see unique flora, fountains, sculptures, and garden decorations.
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Leverage the audio guide filled with unique stories and facts as you tour the Quinta da Regaleira by yourself.
-
Fun Fact: Initiation Wells at the Quinta da Regaleira were never filled in as water sources, they were utilized for stately purposes that included Tarot inception ceremonies.
More details
-
Save significantly by choosing the combo of two majestic palaces from different architectural eras giving you a glimpse into the best of Sintra.
-
Visit Quinta da Regaleira, the UNESCO Heritage site of Sintra, and learn about its historical significance as you explore the palace and nearby garden at your pace.
-
Take the time at another UNESCO World Heritage site, the Monserrate Palace & Park to explore the arts, sculptures, hallways, fountains, tapestries, and the legendary farmyard.
-
Between the two landmarks, you get two elaborate botanical parks that present a great opportunity to see unique flora, fountains, sculptures, and garden decorations.
-
Leverage the audio guide filled with unique stories and facts as you tour the Quinta da Regaleira by yourself.
-
Fun Fact: Initiation Wells at the Quinta da Regaleira were never filled in as water sources, they were utilized for stately purposes that included Tarot inception ceremonies.
5% off
- A full-day tour that takes you to the historic center of Sintra, the stunning Pena Palace, and the Quinta da Regaleira.
- Explore the Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira with an expert local guide who’ll tell you all about their history, architecture, and significance.
- Discover the wonders of the Pena Palace, a stunning Romanticist castle nestled atop the rolling Sintra Mountains.
- Explore the gardens at the Quinta da Regaleira, its underground Initiation Wells, grottoes, and stunning Romantic architecture.
- Enjoy convenient and seamless transfers between each landmark in a comfortable, air-conditioned coach.
More details
- A full-day tour that takes you to the historic center of Sintra, the stunning Pena Palace, and the Quinta da Regaleira.
- Explore the Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira with an expert local guide who’ll tell you all about their history, architecture, and significance.
- Discover the wonders of the Pena Palace, a stunning Romanticist castle nestled atop the rolling Sintra Mountains.
- Explore the gardens at the Quinta da Regaleira, its underground Initiation Wells, grottoes, and stunning Romantic architecture.
- Enjoy convenient and seamless transfers between each landmark in a comfortable, air-conditioned coach.
-
Plug in your earphones and dive deep into the history of Quinta da Regaleira on a self-guided audio tour.
-
Get started on exploring the different parts of Quinta da Regaleira, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for its chapels, gardens and beyond.
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Listen to interesting tidbits about the transfer of ownership from Luigi Manini to the present Portuguese government and more such facts from your audio guide available in 5 languages.
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Marvel at the castle’s treasures and visit the Aquarium, Abundance Fountain, and the Greenhouse to complete your tour.
-
Fun fact: The Initiation Well was designed to represent the nine circles of Dante’s Inferno.
More details
-
Plug in your earphones and dive deep into the history of Quinta da Regaleira on a self-guided audio tour.
-
Get started on exploring the different parts of Quinta da Regaleira, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for its chapels, gardens and beyond.
-
Listen to interesting tidbits about the transfer of ownership from Luigi Manini to the present Portuguese government and more such facts from your audio guide available in 5 languages.
-
Marvel at the castle’s treasures and visit the Aquarium, Abundance Fountain, and the Greenhouse to complete your tour.
-
Fun fact: The Initiation Well was designed to represent the nine circles of Dante’s Inferno.
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Similar things to do in Lisbon
About Quinta da Regaleira
Quinta da Regaleira appears as though conjured from the very stones of Sintra's mountain, its towers and bridges seeming not of human creation but rather fashioned by the spirits of nature. It exists in a realm half-real, half-imagined. Through ingenious architecture drawing from myriad mystical beliefs across time and cultures, the palace is quite enchanting!
The "Initiation Well" isn't actually a well: This iconic 98-foot tower resembles a well but lacks any water source. Instead, it serves as a symbolic descent, with a spiral staircase leading down nine levels, representing Dante's nine circles of Hell. Some believe it was used for initiation rituals by secret societies.
Hidden messages in plain sight: Look closely, and you'll find Freemason and Templar symbols subtly incorporated into the architecture and sculptures. The stained glass windows, gargoyles, and even the gatehouse hold coded messages waiting to be deciphered.
An enigmatic grotto with a reversed compass: Step inside the "Grotto of the Grotto" and find a compass embedded in the floor, pointing in the opposite direction. This deliberate inversion fuels speculation about its intended meaning, ranging from mystical symbolism to playful deception.
A secret tunnel leading… where? Underneath the inconspicuous Capela da Santíssima Trindade (Chapel of the Holy Trinity) lies a hidden tunnel leading to the palace kitchen. Its purpose remains unknown, adding to the estate's mysterious allure.
A "Palace of Monteiro the Millionaire": The estate's original owner, António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro, was renowned for his wealth and eccentricity. He poured his resources and imagination into creating this masterpiece, earning him the nickname "Monteiro the Millionaire."
Why visit Quinta da Regaleira?
Highlights
Palace of Regaleira
Quinta Da Regaleira complex is spread over nearly 10 acres, with several interesting sites. The Palace of Regaleira, the main building of the Quinta Da Regaleira complex, is among the more popular sites. It has a fascinating exterior that shows Carvalho Monteiro's love for Renaissance and Classical architectural styles. Inside are five floors, although you can only access the first floor. Still, there's a lot to see. You can explore the ground floor, which was the meeting area for the Monteiro family, and the first floor, which had the family's private rooms, bathrooms, and playrooms. Additionally, you can access the Hunting Room, Renaissance Room, Kings' Room, and Smoking Room.
Porch & Foyer
The entrance to the Palace of Regaleira is an attraction in itself. You enter the Palace through the Porch, an entrance carved in limestone. It depicts various discoveries by the Portuguese and has similarities with Jerónimos Monastery and the Tower of Belém. Both the structures are located in Lisbon and, like Quinta Da Regaleira, are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. After you pass the Porch, you enter the Foyer. Its main attraction is a floor-to-ceiling mosaic and limestone accents.
Hunting Room
The Hunting Room, or the Dining Room, is one the most beautiful places in Quinta de Regaleira. It is richly decorated, with most visitors drawn to its polychrome Venetian mosaic that features natural themes and wild animals. The Hunting Room's enormous fireplace, made by sculptor Rodrigo de Castro, is equally fascinating. It shows hunting scenes and features a huntsman ("Monteiro" in Portuguese) on top. The huntsman is a reference to Carvalho Monteiro, the enigmatic owner of the Quinta Da Regaleira.
Renaissance Room
All royal families had stunning living rooms that beamed with luxury. The Renaissance Room, also called the Living Room, was no different. It was the Monteiro family's pride, with its decoration reminding you of the Italian Renaissance. Although designed by Luigi Manini, the Renaissance Room features beautiful paintings by several Portuguese artists, including Jlio da Fonseca. His work hangs on the oak wood coffered ceiling in the Renaissance Room.
Music Room
Females dominated the Music Room at Quinta Da Regaleira. Carvalho Monteiro's wife, Perpétua Augusta Pereira de Melo, along with her female friends and family members, were the primary visitors to this room. As a result, its interior is inspired by the rocaille style, which emerged in France at the beginning of the 18th century. Ornamentation with pebbles and shells is the hallmark of the rocaille style, and it is visible throughout the Music Room. Even the chestnut wood ceiling and frescoes on the walls have elements inspired by the rocaille style.
Kings' Room
Named so because of the 24 portraits of the Kings and Queens of Portugal hanging on its walls, the Kings' Room in Quinta Da Regaleira originally functioned as the Billiard Room. A massive billiard table existed in the center of this room, but it doesn't today.
However, you will find four coats of arms beside the portraits. They belong to the most important cities in Portugal: Braga, Coimbra, Lisbon, and Porto.
The Initiation Well
By far the most intriguing place in Quinta Da Regaleira, the Initiation Well will give you the chills. It goes 90 feet beneath and comprises nine levels, reminiscent of the nine circles of Hell described in the poem "Divine Comedy" by Dante Alighieri.
Interestingly, the WellWell has 139 steps. Add the numbers, and you get 13, which symbolizes death and rebirth. Chilly, right? There's more! You'll find a compass rose drawn at the bottom of the WellWell. It is a symbol of the Rosicrucian Order, which is made up of a group of philosophers studying natural laws.
Garden of Regaleira
The Palace of Regaleira is impressive, but Quinta Da Regaleira is more popular because of its massive garden. Spread over several acres, the garden looks more like a forest with several places of interest. You'll also see several stone statues throughout the garden complex. Statues dedicated to Venus, Hermes, Dionysus, and other Greek gods and goddesses will grab your attention as you explore the garden. But wear comfortable footwear as you'll be on foot mostly, and the terrain is mountainous.
Smoking Room
The Music Room was dominated by the ladies, while the Smoking Room was exclusively for the men. It served as an accessory to the Billiards Room and had no great use during the time. But today, exhibitions dedicated to Carvalho Monteiro are held in this room. Hence, it is also called the Carvalho Monteiro Room.
Plan your visit
Secondary Entrance
This entrance is located on Rua do Colégio. It leads you directly into the Gardens of the Palace, bypassing the palace itself. This entrance might be less crowded than the main one, depending on the time of day.
Main entrance
This is the primary entrance located on Rua Barbosa du Bocage 5. This entrance leads you directly into the Palace of Regaleira and the ticket office.
The best time to visit Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra would be during the spring or fall when the weather is mild and the crowds are not as heavy as in the summer. However, the park is open year-round and the gardens are beautiful in every season. It is recommended to check the schedule and opening hours of the park before visiting.
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