Explore with Sarah Louise

Quinta da Regaleira is one of the most mysterious and fascinating palaces in Sintra. Sintra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its palaces, lush forests, and romantic architecture.

The estate was built in the early 20th century, in around 1904, by António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro, a wealthy Brazilian-Portuguese businessman. He was often called Monteiro dos Milhões — “Monteiro of the Millions.” And was the wealthiest man in Portugal at the time. Monteiro was a free Mason and was deeply interested in mysticism, alchemy, astrology and symbolism. He believed wisdom reveals itself only to those who observe carefully. As a scholar of esoteric wisdom he wanted to create a property and garden that represented the spiritual journey. He believed that true knowledge is hidden, accessible only to those who seek and understand symbolism and the Quinta da Regaleira was his way of representing that, the garden and house being full of hidden symbolism. It is required to visit multiple times to really understand all
that is being represented.

To bring his vision to life, he hired Italian architect Luigi Manini, who designed the palace and gardens in a unique Neo Manueline style, a Portuguese architectural style inspired by the Age of Discoveries.

The palace represents the spiritual journey of initiation, death, and rebirth and is heavily influenced by Freemasonry, Templar lore, Alchemy, and Mysticism. It is full of underground passageways and secret tunnels that pop up in various places around the estate.

One of its most famous elements is the famous 27-meter-deep Initiation Well, which is an inverted tower symbolizing descent into the earth for spiritual enlightenment and transformation. We have to overcome darkness to reach the light, there is no light without darkness.
It is believed to represent the 9 circles of Hell, or stages of spiritual rebirth from Dante’s Inferno.

At the very bottom of the well is a circular floor, simply decorated with coloured tiles in shades of ochre. Here, the tiles depict the cross of the Knights Templar, an 8 pointed star and at the centre the grand master, a symbol exclusive to Free Masons who believe in the Christian doctrine. It’s believed that secret initiation rituals may have taken place here, linked to Freemasonry or the Knights Templar.
A number of Underground tunnels lead out of the well and not all paths lead to the exit. There are many wrong paths that take you to the unfinished well and the waterfall before making it out and back to the light.

Spiritually curious, he blended Christian mysticism with ancient traditions hence the inclusion of a small chapel. The chapel is two buildings in one as underground is a crypt. The chapel has an image of a resurrected Christ. Templars did not believe that Christ was dead. There are no Templar churches showing a crucified Christ.

Lining one of the main paths into the estate is the Promenade of the Gods which included, stone statues of Venus, Hermes, Dionysus, and many other Greek gods and goddesses. The Greek god Dionysus is featured throughout the estate, and is a powerful symbol connected with the cult of Free Masonry.

The Fountain of Abundance (Fonte da Abundância) is also a significant feature, notable for its large, tiled facade, obelisks symbolizing Masonic pillars, and decorative seashell/serpent carvings, suggesting themes of fertility, eternal life, and and spiritual nourishment, with some visitors even drinking the water.

A throne-like altar sits before the fountain, connected by drainage holes to hidden subterranean systems, suggesting themes of sacrifice and blood rituals . This makes people question what really went on at the property.
Was it all just symbolic or did something more sinister happen here during the ten years of ownership?

The two obelisks flanking the fountain represent the Pillars of Boaz and Jachin at the entrance to King Solomon's Temple, a common Masonic motif.

The owner, Carvalho Monteiro, bought it in 1892. Construction began in 1904 and was mostly completed by 1910. Monteiro died in 1920, so sadly, he didn’t have many years to enjoy his estate.

#quintadaregaleira #sintra #portugal #sintrapalaces #palaces #lisbon #portugal #masonic #europeanarchitecture #travel #illuminati #rituals

2 days ago | [YT] | 4

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The most amazing views from the Cádiz tower. It’s a pretty long walk to the bell tower but the 360 degree views are absolutely worth it! #cadizcathedral #cadiz #spain

4 days ago | [YT] | 5

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Lisbon Christmas lights #christmas #christmaslights #lisbon #lisbonchristmaslights #rossiochristmasmarket

5 days ago | [YT] | 7

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Lisbon Christmas lights #christmas #christmaslights #lisbon #lisbonchristmaslights #rossiochristmasmarket

5 days ago | [YT] | 5

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I think this has to be a good omen for the Uk. I couldn’t believe it when just for a moment this cloud formation formed under a super clear double rainbow with both ends visible. The Isle of Wight is a little big scale wise 😉 #uk #britain #england #news #viral

1 week ago | [YT] | 6

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Cadiz cathedral was built between 1722 and 1838. The cathedral was declared Bien de Interés Cultural in 1931.

The 18th century was a golden age for Cádiz, and the other cathedral in the city, Santa Cruz, was very small for this new age in the history of Cádiz so a new cathedral was built. The building took 116 years from 1722 to 1838. The first person who designed the church was architect Vicente Acero, who had also built the Granada Cathedral. Acero left the project and was succeeded by several other architects. Due to the drawn-out period of construction, the cathedral underwent several major changes to its original design.

Included in the 10 euro ticket price you can see the cathedral, go up to the bell tower and see fantastic 360 degree views of Cadiz, the crypt and a museum behind the cathedral full of fascinating objects.

This would probably cost about £30 in England.

#cadiz #spain #thingstodoincadiz #freethingstodoinspain #cadizcathedral

1 week ago | [YT] | 7

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Cadiz cats

Cádiz is famous for its large, well-cared-for colonies of feral cats, you can often find them living along the sea wall and in Parque Genovés. Locals provide food, water, and even tiny shelters. I’m quite amazed they live right by the sea like this but it’s relatively inaccessible for people so they probably like the privacy. Dedicated groups like "Cádiz Felina" help manage their care and well being.

I did see one with a jaw problem and another with a missing eye though so life must be tough still 😞 #cadiz #cadizcats

1 week ago | [YT] | 5

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I have a strong feeling I saw a meteor last night from the cruise deck. Some others did see them with the naked eye but I didn’t. However, when I was sat editing my photos I saw this on one!

These were taken during a glorious sunset by the glowing Jesus in Lisbon" referring to the iconic Cristo Rei (Christ the King) statue. #glowingjesus #jesus #miracle #lisbon #lisbonjesus #meteor #meteorshower

1 week ago | [YT] | 6

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Parque Genovés, Cadiz

Its origin can be traced back to the middle of the 19th century, having been widened and remodeled a few times since then. The garden is named after a former city major called Eduardo José Genovés y Puig, who made important reforms to the garden.
The garden has a great number of plant species, including several which, flourish in tropical climates, the high humidity of the city combined with the mild temperatures allow these plants to survive in the garden and several have drawn scientific interest, due to their longevity and size.

There is also a waterfall with a bridge to enjoy sea views. #cadiz #parkegenoves #spain

1 week ago | [YT] | 3

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Cadiz has two castles right next to one another Castillo de Santa Catalina which is open to walk around and has a small museum about the history of cadiz. It’s free to enter ( my favourite entry price). The castle is the oldest military construction in Cádiz city. Construction started in April 1598, led by architect and military engineer, Cristóbal de Rojas. The city's defences needed to be improved after the Anglo-Dutch navy, under the command of the 2nd Earl of Essex, had looted the city two years earlier.

In 1769 Carlos III repurposed the castle as a military prison and it was used to hold Conscientious objectors, including 300 Jehovah's Witness who refused to undertake Spanish military national service. The castle continued to be a military prison until shortly before the Ministry of Defence handed the castle over to the city in 1991.

Then a little down the beach is Castillo de San Sebastiá which is on a tiny island connected by a tidal walkway called Paseo Fernando Quinones that ensures the castle is accessible at high tide.

The island has been the subject of continuous settlements since ancient times. According to tradition it was the home of the temple of Kronos, who was the Greek god of the Titans and father of Zeus. A Muslim watchtower was later constructed, and in the fifteenth century it became home to a small chapel dedicated to San Sebastián. In 1457 a Venetian ship took refuge on the island due to a plague epidemic and the sailors rebuilt the tower and a chapel dedicated to San Sebastián.

Following the Anglo-Dutch sacking of the city in 1596 the castle was rebuilt in 1613 under the direction of Juan de la Fuente Hurtado. It was modernised with modern artillery a lighthouse.

It was only during the nineteenth century a long boardwalk was built by which the castle was attached to the city on the mainland. The current lighthouse which you can still go up and look at today was built in 1908.

The castle complex was declared an Asset of Cultural Interest on April 22, 1949.

#cadiz #spain #spanishcastles #cadizcastle #sansebastiancastle #santacatalinacastle #freethingstodoinspain #freethingstodoincadiz #thingstodoinspain #thingstodoincadiz

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