Quinta da Regaleira - Sintra Day Trip from Lisbon

A positively unmissable excursion from Lisbon in my opinion would be Sintra, and more specifically, Quinta da Regaleira. This 20th century Portuguese quinta (palace) is situated on a magnificent plot of 4 hectares of land also boasting a chapel, gardens, grottoes, fountains, lakes, and the famed Initiation Wells.

The owner was apparently quite taken by mystic ideologies, and wanted his palace to represent this interest. As such, the design of the gardens and Initiation Wells were inspired by ancient secret orders, and there are many symbolic structures throughout the park.

Some of the symbolism includes references to the Masons, dark alchemy, and the Knights Templar (I felt like I was playing Assassins Creed when I heard that haha).

Palace Grounds & Gardens

One of the joys of visiting Quinta da Regaleira is just walking around the lush landscape and parks while spotting all the beautiful statues and structures sprinkled throughout the park. To walk throughout the estate is to immerse yourself in exquisite nature, and view intricate architecture.

It is also classified by UNESCO as worthy of being a World Heritage Site, encouraging for the validity to visit this magnificent structure!

Do not miss the extensive tunnels and grottoes on the grounds. I genuinely felt as if I was walking through a labyrinth while exploring these… you almost feel transported back in time when you’re walking aimlessly through the chilly and dimly lit tunnels.

Other places that require a visit are the Waterfall Lake, and Leda’s Cave. A series of underground walkways from these tunnels actually lead to the famed Initiation Wells.

I really felt like a princess. How wonderful!

The entire park is quite large, and requires a lot of walking. I visited in February, and it rained on-and-off throughout my entire visit.

Palace & Chapel

Designed by architect Luigi Manini in a brilliant gothic style (complete with gargoyles, towers, turrets, jagged peaks…), the Quinta is certainly a striking structure amongst the natural beauty of the lush estate.

Although I had originally been sad to learn I’d be visiting on a rainy day, the stark white was gorgeous against the overcast sky…

The chapel’s architecture and detailing is as impressive as the palace.

The inside is as intricate as the outside!

Initiation Well

The reason I was first inspired to go was after seeing photos of the Initiation Wells. They are undoubtedly the most intricate wells I’ve ever seen (well, to be fait, I haven’t seen that many wells…). These photos do not do it justice. However, the reason they are probably so elaborate is due to the fact that they were, despite their moniker, never used to store water. Both Initiation Wells served the purpose of ceremonial rituals, such as the Tarot initiation rites.

Quinta da Regaleira is an attraction in Portugal I highly recommend to visit. I felt like I was walking through a mystical forest. I wouldn’t have been surprised if a magical being popped out in front of me.

The natural beauty of the Portuguese landscape coupled with the gothic splendour of the Palace’s architecture really make this a striking day-trip that, in my opinion, shouldn’t be missed if you’re staying in Lisbon!

Opening hours:
9:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. (summer season)
9:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (winter season)

Pricing (house and grounds included):
Adult - €6.00
Student/ Senior - €4.00
Family €18.00
Guided tour = €10 (includes entrance fee)