Sintra: Quinta da Regaleira
Quinta da Regaleira is a quinta located near the historic center of Sintra, Portugal. It is classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO within the "Cultural Landscape of Sintra". 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. The gardens of the Quinta da Regaleira were styled to represent ancient secret orders, with hidden tunnels, princess-like towers and concealed symbolism.
The Quinta has had many owners throughout the years, each contributing their own personal touch. But it was not until 1904, after being sold to António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro (1848-1920), a wealthy Portuguese entomologist, that the estate was transformed into a unique palace adorned with symbolic carvings associated with Masonry, the Knights Templar, and the Rosicrucians. It reflects his sensibility and cultural, philosophical and scientific interests, together with the virtuosity of the Italian architect and scenographer Luigi Manini (1848-1936). The culture and creativity of these two personalities resulted in an eclectic-revivalist architectural ensemble, with a particular focus on the Manueline, Renaissance, Medieval and Classical styles.
One of the most iconic features of the gardens is the Initiation Well that features a spiral staircase leading to the very bottom of the well. The wells are two tunnels dug into the earth, the largest almost 30 meters deep, ending in a tiled floor depicting a compass and Templar cross. A spiral staircase runs down the well walls, with nine levels of 15 steps, some believe signifying the nine levels of Hell from Dante’s Inferno.
Stories also say these “initiation wells” were used to perform Templar initiation rites and rituals, which began with candidates entering one of the Initiation Wells blindfolded. Holding a sword close to their heart, they would descend nine flights of stairs – a number that represents the nine founders of the Templar order. Once reaching the bottom of the well, the candidate would walk into a dark labyrinth where they would symbolically and literally find their way up towards the light. I
From the top of the well, “one stares into the pits of the earth; from the bottom, one sees the glimmering sunlight of the surface. Returning to the earth from whence we came, and re-emerging into the light from the cold embrace of darkness.”
Here’s what seems to be true, nothing is known for sure about their purpose and it’s the mystery that makes these all the more compelling to experience.
