Brazil
Argentina
Chile
Colombia
Peru
Uruguay
Germany
Belgium
Spain
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Ireland
Italy
the United Kingdom
Switzerland
Palace · Sintra, Lisboa
Quinta da Regaleira
Early 20th-century palace and garden, created by the millionaire Carvalho Monteiro and the architect Luigi Manini, with grottoes, lakes and the Poço Iniciático, a spiral staircase that descends about 27 meters.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Quinta da Regaleira
He commissioned the Italian architect and scenographer Luigi Manini to build the palace and gardens, constructed between 1904 and 1910.
The palace mixes Gothic, Manueline and Renaissance styles, with towers and façades full of sculptures. The chapel opposite has decoration linked to religious and mystical symbols.
The garden is the most visited part. Paths climb and descend the slope among lakes, grottoes and tunnels. The Poço Iniciático is a spiral staircase that descends about 27 meters to a grotto in nine landings, full of references to Freemasonry and the Divine Comedy.
The quinta is a few minutes' walk from Sintra's center and is part of the Paisagem Cultural de Sintra, a World Heritage Site.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Two to three hours.
Best time
Right at opening, because the Poço Iniciático often has a line. On rainy days the tunnels are damp and slippery.
How to get there
It's on Rua Barbosa du Bocage, about a 10-minute walk from the historic center, on the way to Seteais and Monserrate.
Tip
Descend the Poço Iniciático and exit through the tunnels to the lake, instead of returning by the stairs. Wear sneakers: there are stairs and wet stones.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Quinta da Regaleira
What is the Poço Iniciático?
A spiral staircase of nine landings that descends about 27 meters to a grotto, in the garden of the Regaleira.
Who built Quinta da Regaleira?
The millionaire Carvalho Monteiro, born in Rio de Janeiro, with the Italian architect Luigi Manini, between 1904 and 1910.
Is Regaleira far from Sintra center?
No, it's about a 10-minute walk from the historic center.