Quinta da Regaleira is a mystical estate in the wooded outskirts of Sintra, a historic town in Southwestern Portugal. The estate is a major tourist attraction that is made up of a beautiful neo-Gothic palace, an elegant Catholic chapel and numerous monuments, all surrounded by some of the finest park gardens in the Iberian Peninsula.
The palace at Quinta da Regaleira was designed by the Italian architect Luigi Manini and is characterized by magnificent features that are said to embody important principles of the Alchemic arts. The unusual palace combines an awe-inspiring mixture of neo-Gothic, Romanesque, Renaissance and Manueline elements in its design, making this a truly unique and somewhat surreal structure to behold.
In amongst the spectacular grounds of the estate, you can also explore secret grottoes, lakes, fountains, and an eclectic array of other constructions that are scattered around the park. Formerly a private residence of the Portuguese nobility, the estate was opened to the public in 1998 and classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, the Quinta da Regaleira is a popular local attraction to which tourists and members of the public flock to marvel at the incredible palace and its stately grounds.
How Do You Get To Quinta Da Regaleira, Portugal?
If you’re traveling from overseas, the easiest way to reach Quinta da Regaleira is to fly into the international Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS). The airport serves a wide range of carriers including budget airlines such as EasyJet and Ryanair as well as TAP Portugal and British Airways.
Once you arrive in Lisbon, you can rent a car and drive directly to the town of Sintra. The drive from Lisbon to Sintra is around 30 minutes and takes you through the charming Portuguese countryside before you arrive in the town center.
To get to Quinta Da Regaleira from Sintra, you can take the local 434 bus that leaves from the Sintra train station and takes about 10 minutes to reach Largo Ferreira Castro, where you want to get off. From the Largo Ferreira Castro bus stop, it’s a leisurely 10-minute stroll up to the gates of the estate. Alternatively, you can catch a taxi directly from your hotel to the Quinta da Regaleira and arrange to meet the driver later in the day to bring you back to Sintra.
Of course, if you’re feeling more energetic, you can walk from central Sintra to the Quinta da Regaleira. The walk takes about 30 minutes and will allow you to absorb the amazing scenery that epitomizes the timeless beauty of the Portuguese countryside.
To help you find your way around the 4-hectare grounds of Quinta da Regaleira, you can download a free PDF map from the official website, here.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Quinta Da Regaleira?
The ideal time to visit Quinta da Regaleira is between May and October when the weather is warm and sunny. However, this does coincide with the peak tourist season, so there may be a busy atmosphere at the estate with lots of other tourists. If you’d like to avoid the crowds at the estate you can schedule your visit for the early morning or on a weekday, when the Quinta da Regaleira is typically a lot quieter.
What Is There To Do At Quinta Da Regaleira?
You could easily spend several days exploring the mysterious grounds of the Quinta da Regaleira, and still not see everything on the sprawling estate. It’s highly advised to bring a picnic with you, and plenty of water, so you can relax in the gardens in between visiting the palace, the chapel, and the other inspiring structures and features on the grounds. The Quinta da Regaleira also has good on-site amenities for visitors, including public bathrooms, a souvenir store, and a coffee shop where you can buy snacks, light meals and other refreshments throughout the day.
The Palace of Quinta Da Regaleira
The stunning neo-Gothic palace, called the Palácio da Regaleira, shares the same name as the estate and is notable for its flamboyant pinnacles, elaborate spires, haunting gargoyles and the large, octagonal tower. Consisting of 5 floors in total, the palace is currently open to the public between 10 am and 6.30 pm.
If you’d like to look around at your own pace you can take a self-guided tour of the palace. You can download a free map here, or purchase a physical map at the Ticket Office for 1 Euro. Alternatively, you can join a guided tour and learn all about the history and features of the palace from an experienced, multilingual guide.
The Regaleira Chapel
The Regaleira Chapel is located on the forecourt of Palácio da Regaleira’s main facade. Its exquisite interiors are an absolute wonder to behold, with its decorative stained glass windows, exuberant stuccoes and masterful frescoes.
You can see representations of Saint Anthony and Teresa of Avila in the chapel’s frescoes and the floor is decorated with highly symbolic depictions of the armillary Sphere of Discovery and the Order of Christ Cross. Steeped in hidden meanings and symbolism, the chapel is a genuine masterpiece of the neo-Gothic imagination that gives visitors an authentic glimpse into the lost world of Portugal’s former nobility.
The Initiation Wells at Quinta Da Regaleira
Perhaps the most intriguing feature at the Quinta Da Regaleira is the Initiation Wells. Never actually used to store or collect water, it’s thought that these wells were used to conduct secret rituals and ceremonies by the former inhabitants of the estate. Resembling underground towers, the two wells are lined with spiral staircases and tunnels that connect the two wells.
The larger of the two wells contains a 27-meter spiral staircase with 9 flights of stairs, thought to represent the 9 founding members of the ancient order of the Knights Templar. There’s also a stone compass that contains a Templar cross at the foot of the stairs and several other references to the most secretive Catholic orders of the time.
The Parks of Quinta Da Regaleira
The estate is situated on 4 hectares of pristine wooded parklands. The woods are crisscrossed with footpaths and there are lots of wild patches of lush grass and vegetation that’s perfect for a picnic lunch. You’ll also find statues, decorative monuments, caves, lake features, gateways, ornamental benches, and other unusual structures scattered throughout the woodland parks.
Where To Stay Near Quinta Da Regaleira?
Situated just 10 minutes’ drive from central Sintra, the Pestana Sintra is a luxury 4-star hotel that welcomes guests from all over the world. With an 18-hole golf course, 2 outdoor swimming pools, beautiful gardens, a spa with a sauna and gym, a restaurant and a cocktail bar, the Pestana Sintra boasts contemporary accommodation with all the modern conveniences, including WiFi and flatscreen TV.
Just a stone’s throw from Sintra and less than 20 20-minute drive from Quinta da Regaleira, the Pestana Sintra is one of the best places to stay during your visit to the area. The multilingual reception staff are always on hand and can help you to arrange any travel or tours that you may have planned for your time in Sintra.
