Sintra, Portugal

The Quinta da Regaleira is a decorative 20th-century residence that is situated in the town of Sintra.

The house was constructed in 1904 by the wealthy Portuguese businessman Carvalho Monteiro, which gave rise to the residence’s local name of “PALACE OF THE MONTEIRO MILLIONAIRE”.

The outside façade of the grand house is decorated with gothic turrets, carved gargoyles, and other ornate features. Inside, the building spreads over five floors, but it’s very sparse in actual original details. The true wonder of the Quinta da Regaleira is the grounds, which cover 4 hectares and were inspired by the owner’s mystic ideologies.

The grand house is split over five floors and has an ornate gothic façade, BUT THE REAL ATTRACTION IS TO THE REAR WITH THE ENCHANTING GARDENS.

THERE ARE REFERENCES TO THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAR, THE MASONS, AND DARK ALCHEMY, ALL HIDDEN WITHIN THE GROUNDS.

The well is the strongest feature and symbolizes the initiation ceremony for the Knights Templar.

In the well, there is a concealed passage that after descending 27 meters connects to a series of tunnels that run the length of the gardens.

The house was in construction for over 6 years, but on the death of Carvalho Monteiro, the house was purchased by Waldemar d’Orey.

It stayed within the family until 1987 when it was bought by a Japanese business for private functions. 

Sintra local government reclaimed this important national monument it 1997 and opened it to the public in 1998.