![]() ![]() The eclectically exuberant interiors where fantasy goes hand in hand with neo-medieval and baroque-inspired décor remains true to Monteiro’s passion for the mysterious the tower on the third floor houses a private study and a laboratory, while the octagonal turret at the opposite end of the building is a reference to the sanctuary of The Templar Church of Tomar. One of the first things you notice as you walk through the main gate is the imposing three floor hilltop palace adorned with pinnacles, gargoyles and turrets, more appropriate for the set of a mystery movie than a small Portuguese town. If you ever wondered what it would be like to step your foot into a wonderland where magic breaths down your neck and fairytales come to life, then Quinta da Regaleira is the right place. Both the palace and its grounds, home to exotic plants and centuries old trees, are the reflection of Monteiro’s fascination with metaphysics, Masonry and the legend of the Knights Templar, combined with the work of Luigi Manini’s architectural genius. You know a place is worth visiting when the history behind it sounds like a page ripped out of a 19th century novel, and Quinta da Regaleira most certainly does not disappoint. This bewildering estate filled with enigmatic structures mixing Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque style with alchemical and esoteric symbolism, was created by Antonio Carvalho Monteiro, an eccentric millionaire entomologist. Spiral towers mapping out the myriad footpaths, their twists and turns leading to grottos and moss-covered wells where the sound of dripping water marks the way to hidden passages and underground walkways guarded by waterfalls and ambiguous statues… It’s not often on your travels that you step right inside a fairytale and yet, this is exactly how it feels once you walk through the grand, metal gate of Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra, Portugal. Today’s guest post by Marta of a Girl Who Travels is a continuation of Wednesday’s article on visiting Sintra. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share on Pinterest Share on LinkedIn Share on WhatsApp Share on Email
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