Exploring Quinta de Regaleira in Sintra
My favourite place in Sintra is Quinta de Regaleira, a Gothic-inspired estate made up of an enigmatic palace sitting atop a stage of ornate gardens.
Only a short 50-minute train journey from Lisbon. Visiting should be at the top of any list of things to do while exploring the country’s capital city.
As I entered the grounds, I could hardly take my eyes away from the palace. My feet stayed glued to the ground as I looked up from the path below. It was a vision that felt strangely familiar but I wasn’t sure why. An uncanny sensation washed over me.
I’d never visited this place before, so how was this feeling of familiarity possible?
I scanned through my memory looking for signs. Then it dawned on me. This was the house I’d conjured up in my imagination when I read the short stories of Edgar Allan Poe. This was my House of Usher.
And it wasn’t just Poe who had made me think of a house like this. Horror movies and other authors in the in realm of Gothic fiction had taken me here throughout the years.
It’s all about the exterior & gardens
The exterior of the palace provokes an alluring sense of mystery. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said upon entering the palace and finding a lack-lustre museum inside. As as soon as you pass through the door the mystery evaporates.
The thing to therefore remember about Quinta de Regaleira is that it’s all about the garden. From an informational point of view, the museum does provide all the necessary information about the palace, including background information on the architect, Luigi Manini, so I’m not telling you not go in, I’m just giving you a heads up not to expect fireworks of grandeur.
Don’t miss the beautiful chapel
There is, however, a small yet ornately decorated chapel located next to the palace which demands attention for its stained glass windows, frescoes and intricate stuccoes. Inside you’ll also find steps that wind down to a little basement which adds another curious dimension, especially as there are no signs as to what it was actually used for.
Exploring the gardens of Quinta da Regaleira
The sublime and surprisingly complex gardens are where most of your time should be spent. If there was ever a perfect place to play hide and seek it would be these gardens. They contain an extensive and enigmatic system of tunnels, grottoes and underground walkways.
There’s a tunnel you can wander down, but it gets dark inside. So to maximise your adventure, it’s a fun idea to bring a little flashlight, or if you have a light on your phone then use that.
Let your feet and imagination wander down the tunnels and up through the tower. Most of all, just enjoy the view and feel enchanted by the romantic echoes of the past.
Here are a few more photos of Quinta da Regaleira to pique your wanderlust…
How to get to Sintra & Quinta de Regaleira
The best way to get to Sintra is by train from Lisbon. Sintra lies 25km west of Lisbon and the journey takes approximately 50 minutes. Trains depart from Rossio Station.
From Sintra train station, the walk to Quinta de Regaleira takes approximately 15 – 20 minutes.
Guided tours: Alternatively you can also join one of the many guided tours to Sintra from Lisbon.
Where to stay in Sintra
While I went on a day trip, I would recommend spending a night in Sintra. If I go back, I’m definitely going to stay overnight next time. The complex is big and Quinta de Regaleira is just one of many palaces to explore.
I have heard wonderful things about Chalet Saudade. Guests leave rave reviews about the charm, character and enjoyment of staying at this lovingly renovated and cosy chalet.
→ Search for more hotels in Sintra
Where to stay in Lisbon
If you really want to immerse yourself in art and beauty, treat yourself to a stay at one of Lisbon’s art-focused boutique hotels like the ambiguously named Hotel Hotel.
It’s one of the few hotels in the city belonging to the esteemed list of world-famous Design Hotels.
→ Search for more hotels in Lisbon
13 responses
Wow! What exquisite beauty! – Sintra doesn’t look bad either….
This place conjures up images of fairy tales, labyrinths and Greek mythology. I’d love to visit when I have the money. For now I can only dream…
How talented you are Miss Yoong. Keep it up.
Wolf.
This is fantastic Shing! I know surprise….it’s us 🙂 You will see that things have been a bit preoccupied here. I would love to explore the labyrinth of Quinta da Regaleira! You two ladies are beautiful and I loved all of the pics but the last one was my fav 🙂 I also totally was digging this part from you, “This was the house I conjured up in my imagination when I read the short stories of Edgar Allan Poe. ” We hope all is well with you!
Mike! Phoenix! I’m very happy to see you here, and I’m even happier to hear the good news about Phoenix 🙂 The house doesn’t look real, kinda like the Addam’s family house too! Very cinematic.
Very pretty! Especially love the photos of the chapel! All that white stone looks like it could be icing on a cake! 🙂
I like how you related it back to food…. mmmm… cake… 🙂
It looks so absolutely fantastic! I love exploring old castles and visiting this estate seems to be such a similar experience 🙂
If you love exploring old castles then this place will give you everything you want! Although, as stated in the write up, nothing much is happening inside the place, but the exterior and the gardens more than make up for it!!
That small chapel is simple, yet stunning; and the lack of colour on this occasion is actually the best selling point of the chapel as it’s not overtly shiny and gold like so many chapels we’ve seen throughout Europe.
Really should get around to reading some Poe some time. We don’t really cover his work in the UK as much as perhaps America does and a few other countries, which seems a shame given how highly his work is regarded.
You’re right, the lack of colour yet extremely detailed stuccoes is a very interesting combination Dale! Definitely recommend Poe’s short stories 🙂
My mom and I stayed three nights in Sintra giving us plenty of time to explore. I think we spent half a day wandering around this Gothic treasure!
3 nights! You lucky woman! I was only there for a day and it wasn’t enough 🙁 Excuse to go back though, eh? 🙂
OH! My hometown 😀 I love Regaleira as well, just 3 Kms from my house in Portugal. I’m currently in China, I miss it so much. This is just one of the amazing 6 palaces and gardens that Sintra has. Reading about how much you enjoyed it makes me feel happy. I really like your blog, so I’m happy to know that you like my beautiful and romantic hometown 🙂
Hi Ricardo! Noooooo you live only three kms away from Regaleria?! Can I tell you how jealous I am!!
I’m happy that you’re happy. I can’t wait to return to your inspiring country.