Quinta da Regaleira

Luigi Manini built the estate between 1892 and 1910 for António Augusto de Carvalho Monteiro, which was unparalleled only in the royal palaces of Portugal. The owners of the estate had achieved considerable wealth through coffee plantations in Brazil, among other things, which earned the Baron of Regaleira the reputation of a millionaire throughout his life.

With gargoyles, ornate columns and battlements, elements of the Gothic style feature prominently at Quinta da Regaleira. The architect created a total of five floors full of magnificent rooms, all of which can be visited today.

Since the park is redesigned every summer, it also looks a little different each season - but some elements always return.

The highlight in the park of the Quinta da Regaleira is undoubtedly the so-called initiation fountain with its spiral staircase over nine floors (corresponding to the 9 circles of hell from Dante Alighieri`s Divine Comedy). It was also designed in accordance with the mysticism of the Tarot and Freemasonry: a compass rose is embedded in the floor above a Templar cross.An impressive system of underground passages and caves connects the fountain with other grottoes and the Unfinished Fountain that looks like a bad copy of the initiation fountain.

Overall, the park has a rapturous, mystical atmosphere that stimulates the imagination and is an experience for young and old.