Quinta da Regaleira
Get Quinta Da Regaleira tickets to explore one of Portugal’s most intriguing and well-preserved areas filled with underground mazes that hold secrets and stories about religious orders. Located in Serra de Sintra, Quinta da Regaleira has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995.
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Visitor's guide
Must-see highlights & key info
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Score Quinta da Regaleira tickets—explore its stunning 19th-century estate, enchanting architecture, secret passages, and gardens.
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Get lost in the enchanting hidden tunnels and 'Initiation Wells' that look like something right out of a fairytale book.
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Want to decode the Freemason symbolism? Add an audio guide or begin with a host-led intro before heading off on your own.
More details
-
Score Quinta da Regaleira tickets—explore its stunning 19th-century estate, enchanting architecture, secret passages, and gardens.
-
Get lost in the enchanting hidden tunnels and 'Initiation Wells' that look like something right out of a fairytale book.
-
Want to decode the Freemason symbolism? Add an audio guide or begin with a host-led intro before heading off on your own.
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Discover two of Sintra’s most enchanting UNESCO World Heritage sites with one easy combo ticket.
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Explore Pena Palace, a vibrant 19th-century Romanticist castle with lush gardens, luxe royal apartments, and panoramic Queen’s Terrace.
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Visit the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira to check out its magical gardens, underground tunnels, and the rich symbolism hidden in the architecture.
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Add audio guides for a deeper dive into the legends, history, and artistry of both sites.
More details
-
Discover two of Sintra’s most enchanting UNESCO World Heritage sites with one easy combo ticket.
-
Explore Pena Palace, a vibrant 19th-century Romanticist castle with lush gardens, luxe royal apartments, and panoramic Queen’s Terrace.
-
Visit the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira to check out its magical gardens, underground tunnels, and the rich symbolism hidden in the architecture.
-
Add audio guides for a deeper dive into the legends, history, and artistry of both sites.
-
Stroll around the dreamy landscape of Quinta da Regaleira with an expert and uncover mysteries hidden in plain sight.
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Dare to descend the world-famous Initiation Well and marvel at the intricacy of Gothic elements like gargoyles and vaulted ceilings.
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Listen to tales of Templar, the poets inspired by this enchanting villa, and its owner in the language of your comfort, English or Spanish.
More details
-
Stroll around the dreamy landscape of Quinta da Regaleira with an expert and uncover mysteries hidden in plain sight.
-
Dare to descend the world-famous Initiation Well and marvel at the intricacy of Gothic elements like gargoyles and vaulted ceilings.
-
Listen to tales of Templar, the poets inspired by this enchanting villa, and its owner in the language of your comfort, English or Spanish.
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Discover Sintra, Cabo da Roca & Cascais on a guided day trip from Lisbon with comfy AC transfers and expert commentary.
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Stroll Sintra’s fairy-tale Old Town; uncover royal retreats, hidden alleys, and charming cafés with your guide.
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Conclude your journey with sweeping coastal views at Cabo da Roca and the seaside charm of Cascais.
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Choose your preferred language and upgrade to the full experience with guided access to Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira.
More details
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Discover Sintra, Cabo da Roca & Cascais on a guided day trip from Lisbon with comfy AC transfers and expert commentary.
-
Stroll Sintra’s fairy-tale Old Town; uncover royal retreats, hidden alleys, and charming cafés with your guide.
-
Conclude your journey with sweeping coastal views at Cabo da Roca and the seaside charm of Cascais.
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Choose your preferred language and upgrade to the full experience with guided access to Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira.
10% off
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Save time and money by visiting both the National Palace of Sintra and Quinta da Regaleira with this convenient combo ticket.
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Step inside Portugal's best-preserved medieval royal residence and explore rooms like Swan Hall at Sinta Palace.
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Explore the mystical gardens, grottoes, and spiral well at Quinta da Regaleira—straight from a fantasy novel.
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Don’t miss a single detail. Add an audio guide to your ticket and explore at your own pace with expert commentary.
More details
-
Save time and money by visiting both the National Palace of Sintra and Quinta da Regaleira with this convenient combo ticket.
-
Step inside Portugal's best-preserved medieval royal residence and explore rooms like Swan Hall at Sinta Palace.
-
Explore the mystical gardens, grottoes, and spiral well at Quinta da Regaleira—straight from a fantasy novel.
-
Don’t miss a single detail. Add an audio guide to your ticket and explore at your own pace with expert commentary.
5% off
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Escape Lisbon for a day and uncover Sintra’s charm on this all-planned day trip.
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Travel in air-conditioned comfort from Lisbon and back, with a guide who speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese, or French.
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Wander Sintra’s cobblestone lanes while your guide brings to life the legends of kings and the magic that earned this town its UNESCO status.
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Stop to admire icons like Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira. Whether you’re here for photos or stories, your guide’s got you covered!
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Upgrade your experience to enter Pena Palace and Regaleira—see the lavish interiors and surreal gardens that make these sites world-famous.
More details
-
Escape Lisbon for a day and uncover Sintra’s charm on this all-planned day trip.
-
Travel in air-conditioned comfort from Lisbon and back, with a guide who speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese, or French.
-
Wander Sintra’s cobblestone lanes while your guide brings to life the legends of kings and the magic that earned this town its UNESCO status.
-
Stop to admire icons like Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira. Whether you’re here for photos or stories, your guide’s got you covered!
-
Upgrade your experience to enter Pena Palace and Regaleira—see the lavish interiors and surreal gardens that make these sites world-famous.
-
Plug in your earphones and dive deep into the history of Quinta da Regaleira on a self-guided audio tour.
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Get started on exploring the different parts of Quinta da Regaleira, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for its chapels, gardens and beyond.
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Listen to interesting tidbits about the transfer of ownership from Luigi Manini to the present Portuguese government and more such facts from your audio guide available in 5 languages.
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Marvel at the castle’s treasures and visit the Aquarium, Abundance Fountain, and the Greenhouse to complete your tour.
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Fun fact: The Initiation Well was designed to represent the nine circles of Dante’s Inferno.
More details
-
Plug in your earphones and dive deep into the history of Quinta da Regaleira on a self-guided audio tour.
-
Get started on exploring the different parts of Quinta da Regaleira, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for its chapels, gardens and beyond.
-
Listen to interesting tidbits about the transfer of ownership from Luigi Manini to the present Portuguese government and more such facts from your audio guide available in 5 languages.
-
Marvel at the castle’s treasures and visit the Aquarium, Abundance Fountain, and the Greenhouse to complete your tour.
-
Fun fact: The Initiation Well was designed to represent the nine circles of Dante’s Inferno.
-
Save significantly by choosing the combo of two majestic palaces from different architectural eras giving you a glimpse into the best of Sintra.
-
Visit Quinta da Regaleira, the UNESCO Heritage site of Sintra, and learn about its historical significance as you explore the palace and nearby garden at your pace.
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Take the time at another UNESCO World Heritage site, the Monserrate Palace & Park to explore the arts, sculptures, hallways, fountains, tapestries, and the legendary farmyard.
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Between the two landmarks, you get two elaborate botanical parks that present a great opportunity to see unique flora, fountains, sculptures, and garden decorations.
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Leverage the audio guide filled with unique stories and facts as you tour the Quinta da Regaleira by yourself.
-
Fun Fact: Initiation Wells at the Quinta da Regaleira were never filled in as water sources, they were utilized for stately purposes that included Tarot inception ceremonies.
More details
-
Save significantly by choosing the combo of two majestic palaces from different architectural eras giving you a glimpse into the best of Sintra.
-
Visit Quinta da Regaleira, the UNESCO Heritage site of Sintra, and learn about its historical significance as you explore the palace and nearby garden at your pace.
-
Take the time at another UNESCO World Heritage site, the Monserrate Palace & Park to explore the arts, sculptures, hallways, fountains, tapestries, and the legendary farmyard.
-
Between the two landmarks, you get two elaborate botanical parks that present a great opportunity to see unique flora, fountains, sculptures, and garden decorations.
-
Leverage the audio guide filled with unique stories and facts as you tour the Quinta da Regaleira by yourself.
-
Fun Fact: Initiation Wells at the Quinta da Regaleira were never filled in as water sources, they were utilized for stately purposes that included Tarot inception ceremonies.
5% off
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Go on a history lesson as you explore the defensive stronghold of the Moorish Castle and learn about its strategic military role.
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Climb up the castle’s watchtower, a fine example of Moorish military design, from where you can enjoy views of Sintra’s hills and more on a clear day.
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Discover the architectural wonders of the Quinta da Regaleira, designed by Luigi Manini with a mix of Renaissance, Gothic, and Manueline styles.
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Explore the Quinta’s Initiation Wells and grottoes, along with its sprawling gardens that spread far and wide around the structure.
-
Dive deeper into the histories of these landmarks with the benefit of an audio guide in Portuguese, English, Spanish, and French.
More details
-
Go on a history lesson as you explore the defensive stronghold of the Moorish Castle and learn about its strategic military role.
-
Climb up the castle’s watchtower, a fine example of Moorish military design, from where you can enjoy views of Sintra’s hills and more on a clear day.
-
Discover the architectural wonders of the Quinta da Regaleira, designed by Luigi Manini with a mix of Renaissance, Gothic, and Manueline styles.
-
Explore the Quinta’s Initiation Wells and grottoes, along with its sprawling gardens that spread far and wide around the structure.
-
Dive deeper into the histories of these landmarks with the benefit of an audio guide in Portuguese, English, Spanish, and French.
Pro tips to help you make a pick
Similar things to do in Lisbon
About Quinta da Regaleira
Quinta da Regaleira appears as though conjured from the very stones of Sintra's mountain, its towers and bridges seeming not of human creation but rather fashioned by the spirits of nature. It exists in a realm half-real, half-imagined. Through ingenious architecture drawing from myriad mystical beliefs across time and cultures, the palace is quite enchanting!
The "Initiation Well" isn't actually a well: This iconic 98-foot tower resembles a well but lacks any water source. Instead, it serves as a symbolic descent, with a spiral staircase leading down nine levels, representing Dante's nine circles of Hell. Some believe it was used for initiation rituals by secret societies.
Hidden messages in plain sight: Look closely, and you'll find Freemason and Templar symbols subtly incorporated into the architecture and sculptures. The stained glass windows, gargoyles, and even the gatehouse hold coded messages waiting to be deciphered.
An enigmatic grotto with a reversed compass: Step inside the "Grotto of the Grotto" and find a compass embedded in the floor, pointing in the opposite direction. This deliberate inversion fuels speculation about its intended meaning, ranging from mystical symbolism to playful deception.
A secret tunnel leading… where? Underneath the inconspicuous Capela da Santíssima Trindade (Chapel of the Holy Trinity) lies a hidden tunnel leading to the palace kitchen. Its purpose remains unknown, adding to the estate's mysterious allure.
A "Palace of Monteiro the Millionaire": The estate's original owner, António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro, was renowned for his wealth and eccentricity. He poured his resources and imagination into creating this masterpiece, earning him the nickname "Monteiro the Millionaire."
Why visit Quinta da Regaleira?
Highlights
Palace of Regaleira
Quinta Da Regaleira complex is spread over nearly 10 acres, with several interesting sites. The Palace of Regaleira, the main building of the Quinta Da Regaleira complex, is among the more popular sites. It has a fascinating exterior that shows Carvalho Monteiro's love for Renaissance and Classical architectural styles. Inside are five floors, although you can only access the first floor. Still, there's a lot to see. You can explore the ground floor, which was the meeting area for the Monteiro family, and the first floor, which had the family's private rooms, bathrooms, and playrooms. Additionally, you can access the Hunting Room, Renaissance Room, Kings' Room, and Smoking Room.
Porch & Foyer
The entrance to the Palace of Regaleira is an attraction in itself. You enter the Palace through the Porch, an entrance carved in limestone. It depicts various discoveries by the Portuguese and has similarities with Jerónimos Monastery and the Tower of Belém. Both the structures are located in Lisbon and, like Quinta Da Regaleira, are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. After you pass the Porch, you enter the Foyer. Its main attraction is a floor-to-ceiling mosaic and limestone accents.
Hunting Room
The Hunting Room, or the Dining Room, is one the most beautiful places in Quinta de Regaleira. It is richly decorated, with most visitors drawn to its polychrome Venetian mosaic that features natural themes and wild animals. The Hunting Room's enormous fireplace, made by sculptor Rodrigo de Castro, is equally fascinating. It shows hunting scenes and features a huntsman ("Monteiro" in Portuguese) on top. The huntsman is a reference to Carvalho Monteiro, the enigmatic owner of the Quinta Da Regaleira.
Renaissance Room
All royal families had stunning living rooms that beamed with luxury. The Renaissance Room, also called the Living Room, was no different. It was the Monteiro family's pride, with its decoration reminding you of the Italian Renaissance. Although designed by Luigi Manini, the Renaissance Room features beautiful paintings by several Portuguese artists, including Jlio da Fonseca. His work hangs on the oak wood coffered ceiling in the Renaissance Room.
Music Room
Females dominated the Music Room at Quinta Da Regaleira. Carvalho Monteiro's wife, Perpétua Augusta Pereira de Melo, along with her female friends and family members, were the primary visitors to this room. As a result, its interior is inspired by the rocaille style, which emerged in France at the beginning of the 18th century. Ornamentation with pebbles and shells is the hallmark of the rocaille style, and it is visible throughout the Music Room. Even the chestnut wood ceiling and frescoes on the walls have elements inspired by the rocaille style.
Kings' Room
Named so because of the 24 portraits of the Kings and Queens of Portugal hanging on its walls, the Kings' Room in Quinta Da Regaleira originally functioned as the Billiard Room. A massive billiard table existed in the center of this room, but it doesn't today.
However, you will find four coats of arms beside the portraits. They belong to the most important cities in Portugal: Braga, Coimbra, Lisbon, and Porto.
The Initiation Well
By far the most intriguing place in Quinta Da Regaleira, the Initiation Well will give you the chills. It goes 90 feet beneath and comprises nine levels, reminiscent of the nine circles of Hell described in the poem "Divine Comedy" by Dante Alighieri.
Interestingly, the WellWell has 139 steps. Add the numbers, and you get 13, which symbolizes death and rebirth. Chilly, right? There's more! You'll find a compass rose drawn at the bottom of the WellWell. It is a symbol of the Rosicrucian Order, which is made up of a group of philosophers studying natural laws.
Garden of Regaleira
The Palace of Regaleira is impressive, but Quinta Da Regaleira is more popular because of its massive garden. Spread over several acres, the garden looks more like a forest with several places of interest. You'll also see several stone statues throughout the garden complex. Statues dedicated to Venus, Hermes, Dionysus, and other Greek gods and goddesses will grab your attention as you explore the garden. But wear comfortable footwear as you'll be on foot mostly, and the terrain is mountainous.
Smoking Room
The Music Room was dominated by the ladies, while the Smoking Room was exclusively for the men. It served as an accessory to the Billiards Room and had no great use during the time. But today, exhibitions dedicated to Carvalho Monteiro are held in this room. Hence, it is also called the Carvalho Monteiro Room.
Plan your visit
Secondary Entrance
This entrance is located on Rua do Colégio. It leads you directly into the Gardens of the Palace, bypassing the palace itself. This entrance might be less crowded than the main one, depending on the time of day.
Main entrance
This is the primary entrance located on Rua Barbosa du Bocage 5. This entrance leads you directly into the Palace of Regaleira and the ticket office.
The best time to visit Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra would be during the spring or fall when the weather is mild and the crowds are not as heavy as in the summer. However, the park is open year-round and the gardens are beautiful in every season. It is recommended to check the schedule and opening hours of the park before visiting.
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