Quinta de Regaleira - a palace with landscapes and garden complexes impossible, in meaning and content, can compete with the Louvre or Peterhof. But he does not lack the charm and appeal. The first mention of this land dates from 1697, when there was no building. Over time, the land was resold to different people until they got the new owner's name: Baroness Alain Regaleira. prominent people leave just entering the name and fame of an interesting and mysterious place for guests and homeowners owed Brazilian millionaire-entrepreneur Carvalho Montero, who bought it in 1897 and immediately decided to turn this place into an attraction!
Carvalho is a wonderful person. After making his fortune by selling coffee, which originated in Rio de Janeiro, bought real estate, hired the Italian architect Luigi Manini, who previously worked with many world theaters, including La Scala, and two lovers of beauty came with elaborate gardens, bridges, labyrinths and caves- cave.
It is believed that Senor Montero was a Mason, and decided to bring his world of puzzles and mysteries, built on the myths and secrets of the Freemasons, the Templar Knights, ancient Greeks, all on 4 acres of land.
The work was completed in 1912, and since then anyone can immerse themselves in this story. And this is a fairy tale: After your footsteps on a narrow tree park trail, you seem to start reading an interesting book.
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Several dozen buildings, each fulfilling its functions, are buried in rich and exotic vegetation. This is, for example, the guard gate. 2 symmetrical towers are connected by top and bottom galleries. In the middle is a statue depicting the Tritons holding a large shell.
If you look closely, you can see that in the depths of a large shell there is a smaller, but pearl covered in it. The Triton giants are a symbol of strength and riches, as they preserve and have access to shells and pearls. In 18th-18th century pearls are used for clothing and footwear of the nobility and the wealthy class.
In general, plantations have many references to Greek mythology, maritime secrets, and their inhabitants. Another interesting building is the source of Regaleira.
Source with clean and delicious water in Sintra, Carvalho Monteru decided not only to save, but also to decorate it with mosaics. It turned out to be a temple of water and nature. 2 letters BC - this stands for the name of the palace master, and the shell under certain letters - allegories and references to the Botichelli painting "The Birth of Venus."
Monter is not only a successful businessman, but also a philanthropist, collector, and "amateur agronomist." The entire park and garden complex is built not only for the unhurried stroll, but also to breed and breed new varieties of plants. For the most delicate representation of flora, a greenhouse is built.
In the greenhouse, most orchids are planted, because they have a bad mountain night in winter (wet). Monter created the entire ecosystem for the planting of these flowers. On the facade is a fresco that depicts the goddess Flora, as the cult and glorification of mother nature.
But the most mysterious and slightly frightening of friends is and keep "Well of Initiation."
It enters deep into the earth at 9 meters and is a gallery of 9 spans 15 steps each, which symbolizes 9 circles of hell according to Dante.
According to legend, inside the well to descend quietly, without using any backlight means lower the cooler, darker and wetter. The tip goes down on the platform, where the rose breeze is displayed. According to some reports there are performed Mason rituals, but this fact has not been proven. To climb back through the dark and wet cave-labyrinth in the ground to once again come to light, cleaned of sin and know the wisdom and goodness of the universe.
Still need to steer and get out in the right direction! Under the ground the cave path deviates in many directions, and many choose the wrong path to perfection, climbing through the "Well of Imperfection."
It's equal to nine meters, but it's just a broken step and does not lead anywhere. They seemed to hang in the air. Here one can trace the idea that the best way to perfection is the path of self-knowledge. That's how they live: instead of enjoying the sun and warmth, they build underground labyrinths and torture themselves for the right path!
Almost at the exit of the manor is the Chapel.
It is a Roman Catholic chapel, decorated with stucco, with a picture of St. Anthony and St. Theresa. In the landscape, you can also see the cross of the Knights Templar above it the roof of the chapel was adorned, and on the floor, armillary balls were laid out - a symbol of Portuguese conquest during the period of geographical discovery.
By the way, it is a modern Portuguese flag element.
And over the heads of every incoming person, like a silent warning that Big Brother sees you, the All-Seeing Eye that Masons used in their philosophy.
Have a nice trip! Thank you for your attention!