Sintra, Portugal – we also experienced the Quinta da Regaleira which formerly belonged to the Viscountess of Regaleira (wealthy Porto merchants) before being purchased by Carvalho Monteiro, an eccentric, Freemason, etymologist who wanted to create a place that was reflective of his interests and ideologies. He used the assistance of an Italian architect, Luigi Manini, to help bring his vision to life. It was built from 1904 to 1910. It was such a whimsical, exploratory place that engages children and adults alike.

This is the Poço Iniciático. This is a subterranean tower built to represent the 9 circles of Dante’s inferno although it’s only 6 levels deep.

This is part of the tunnel we followed out from the initiation well. There are 2 main tunnels, but the other was blocked for COVID reasons.

The main path out was left open and this is where we exited. At 1st glance, it almost seemed like a bunch of skulls had been built up there.

This is the Portal dos Guardiães. In the center is one of the exits from the well. There are little paths, stairs and openings into other spots around this structure.

Toren willingly taking the tight, circular staircase up the tower. Don’t worry, I went up after him.

This is the Zigurate that allowed you to capture other POVs of the grounds. Too crowded to get to the very top so we took another direction.

A little hidden path so we didn’t have to take the main, open path. You always had to be willing to try and find some small surprise on the grounds. We tried to stay off the main path as much as possible.

The Lago da Cascata. You can get a slight view of this as you walk out from the initiation well, but the tunnels exiting through here were closed as well. The designer tried to make it look like nature’s work, but it’s all man made.

Below the falls, another path, but closed due to COVID.

Another hidden path that we decided to see where it took us.

This path dropped us just above the Aquário, but it wasn’t “live” for whatever reason.

In some ways this place also made me think of Dr. Seuss and his illustrations. Toren finding himself inside another cave.

I loved all the lush green plants, trees and flowers everywhere.

The Torre da Regaleira. More stairs going somewhere else.

This is the Fonte da Abundãncia.

Inside the Gruta do Labirinto. This was so much and Asher even walked around inside the various paths. We had to used a flashlight in parts otherwise you can’t see and hit your head like I did.

The Capela from afar. It is christian in design. Underneath the chapel is a “secret” tunnel that leads to the palace. Obviously, not quite so secret anymore.

The gazebo exit although we apparently were walking the wrong way.

The palácio. It’s like an enchanted castle.

We wanted to also try to see the Castillo de los Moros because there are awesome views from up there and we could see it from the Quinta at one point. So we took the Ruta de Vila Sassetti to the trail in the Parque de Pena.

Unfortunately, we arrived just as it closed, so Toren climbed above this tower near the gate as a consolation prize. He was very positive when we found it was closed, he said, “at least we got a good hike out of it.”

As we hiked back down, a view of the Castillo de los Moros.

Another view to cap it all off before walking back to the car. You can just catch a glimpse of the Palácio Nacional de Sintra.