During our trip to Portugal in 2014, we made a quick stop in Sintra, a Portuguese town located just 30 km from Lisbon. We were driving around and among the various tourism options we decided to meet Quinta da Regaleira. For those who are visiting Lisbon as we, is a great option to make a “hit”.
The Quinta
In Portugal, farms as small sites or farms are also called “Quinta”. And is in the town of Sintra we know Quinta da Regaleira, a perfect place to relax. Visiting Sintra can only come by.
The place has caves, lakes, waterfalls, shrines, and enigmatic constructions that they say be linked to Freemasonry, the Knights Templar and Alchemy. Also has a set of underground galleries linking some monuments between them. The site is full of alternative paths, dark caves that need a flashlight. We use the phone because in some parts you can’t see anything. In others there is illumination in the scene.
It’s not a quick ride. Book a good time to visit all in stride. Recommend a minimum of 4:00. To buy the entrance ticket (6 euros) you get a map.
Fantastic ride, surprised me and worth every penny.
Check out the map and some of the main points within the farm.
The garden of the Quinta da Regaleira
Flowers from the garden of the farm-Sintra-Portugal
Chapel of the Holy Trinity
Chapel of the Holy Trinity-Quinta da Regaleira-Sintra-Portugal
The Regaleira Tower
Portal of the guardians
Cave of the Leda
Cascade Lake
Initiatic Pit.
The Initiatic Pit actually is an inverted tower which deepens 27 metres into the Earth by a spiral staircase. The access is by a revolving door of stone at the top of the well.
There are several theories as to the meaning of this monument. Some say that references an initiation rite of Freemasonry, others say it represents the circles of Dante’s Inferno, others think it refers to Earth as womb.
The bottom Of there are tunnels with stone walls that connect to various other locations, such as the Portal of the guardians, the cascade Lake, the Imperfect and the Pit Cave in the East.
More information
Address
Quinta da Regaleira, Sintra, 2710-567
Operation
Every day, from 10:00 at 17:3:00 (depending on the season of the year goes to the 8:00 pm)
Closes in the days 24 and 25 December.
Cost
Adult: € 6.00
Children up to 8 years old: free
Discounts for young people, the elderly and families.
The more input the guided tour costs € 10,00
Official Website
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