Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra

Since the first day of its foundation in 1697, the magnificent old estate in the outskirts of Sintra has belonged to various owners. They were all in love with this wonderful place, and each of them left a mark on its appearance and delightful interiors. For example, the Viscountess of Regaleira gave the estate its current name in 1840 ("Quinta" in Portuguese means "estate"). But the magnificent look of Quinta de Regaleira was formed by the next owner – collector and philanthropist Antonio Augusto Carvalho Monteiro.

Today, the famous Quinta da Regaleira has the honorary title of a Portuguese monument of ancient architecture and is open to all comers. Created by the Italian architect and artist Luigi Manini, the estate is a combination of Gothic, Romanesque, Renaissance, and Manueline styles. It includes a park, a fabulous four-story palace, a charming Catholic chapel, and various follies, the so-called palace structures designed for aesthetic pleasure and entertainment of guests. The abundance of Gothic towers, solemn capitals, and night stone guards, gargoyles, impresses visitors. Especially after they see the tall octagonal tower with "Leda's Cave".

The main facade of the palace faces a multi-story Roman Catholic chapel, which has the same style as the beautiful estate. However, the appearance of the chapel is nothing compared to its interiors richly decorated with stucco, frescoes, and original medieval stained glass windows. There are the images of St. Anthony of Padua, Teresa of Avila, and other saints worshiped by the Catholic Church. While admiring the beauty of the old estate, do not forget to stroll in the fabulous park. It has many landscaped terraces and winding paths that run down the picturesque hillsides.