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Tuesday, June 28, 2022

Trip to Spain and Portugal- Sintra (continued) Quinta da Regaleira

This quinta is another World Heritage Site in Sintra built at the turn of the 20th century.  The architectural is very romantic which comprised of a Palace, a Chapel and Gardens with grottos.

The gardens mimic ancient secret orders, full of hidden tunnels and concealed symbolism.  They were created to fascinate, confuse and delight visitor thanks to the eccentric owner who was a wealthy mining owner fascinated by the secretive religious orders of the Knights Templar and Freemasons.

Two of the most fascinating things are 1) the Initiation Well. A spiral staircase descends to the base of the gloomy well where a Templar Cross is inscribed in the floor.

2) Gruta do Oriente-a series of caves running beneath the gardens that lead to the Poco Imperfeito (The Unfinished Well).

The Mansion








The Gardens












The caves running beneath the gardens






The Initiation Well



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