The Regaleira

The Regaleria is a palace and park that features lakes, grottoes, wells, benches, fountains, and other unusual constructions and is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It's also known as "The Palace of Monteiro the Millionaire," which is based on the nickname of its best known former owner, António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro. The palace was designed by the Italian architect Luigi Manini.

Luis Manini, architect

 

Descending to one of the Initiation Wells (also called initiatic wells or inverted towers). They resemble underground towers lined with stairs. 

These wells never served as water sources. Instead, they were supposedly used for ceremonial purposes.

Carvalho Monteiro, a Free Mason, had the well built for spiritual reasons. It was designed to represent the nine circles of Dante’s Inferno. At the very bottom of the well is a circular floor, decorated with colored tiles. These tiles depict the cross of the Knights Templar, a symbol exclusive to Free Masons.

Some of the many grottoes near the well.

The Chapel:

Next, we went into the palace. A few of the rooms:

Later, we had a much-needed lunch at the cafe.