Quinta Regaleira, one of Sintra’s most mysterious attractions, is located very near to the town’s historic center.

The Palácio da Regaleira, surrounded by lush greenery, was constructed in the early 20th century by António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro (1848-1920), a millionaire who fulfilled one of his dreams with the help of architect Luigi Manini (1848-1936). The palace is a captivating discovery, with its Romantic revivalist style that imitates Gothic, Manueline, and Renaissance architectural and decorative forms, intermingled with mythical and esoteric symbolism.

The Chapel of the Holy Trinity, or Capela da Santíssima Trindade, is particularly noteworthy. Visitors may descend through a spiral staircase into the crypt to explore the impressive initiation well, which leads to a hidden lake in the middle of the gardens through a grotto at the bottom.

The Casa de Mateus palace, constructed in the first half of the 18th century and featuring the skilled hand of Nicolau Nasoni, is located on a vast estate and surrounded by stunning gardens. It is considered one of Portugal’s most exquisite examples of baroque civil architecture.

The interior of the palace boasts intricately carved wood ceilings, furniture from various periods, 17th and 18th century paintings, silverware, ceramics, and a noteworthy library housing an edition of the epic poem Os Lusíadas.

Owned by the Mateus Foundation, the palace has sponsored numerous cultural activities, particularly in music, literature, sculpture, and ceramics. Festivals, courses, seminars, and exhibitions are regularly organized by the foundation.