Quinta Da Regaleira

Anyone want to join me for a cup of coffee or tea on this lovely terrace? Let us journey then to the town of Sintra in Portugal.

In February of 2011 I had the opportunity to visit Spain and Portugal. The weather was a bit rainy and overcast, but that didn't stop us. It actually added to the feel and mood of the day we visited Sintra, Portugal.

Sintra was by far the loveliest town I have ever stepped foot in. It was as if my childhood visions of what a fairy tale might look like had come to life. Everywhere I turned there was something mystical and magical pulling me in.

Pictured here is the palace Quinta Da Regaleira. Also known as "The Palace of Monteiro the Millionaire" based on the former owner.

The house was constructed in 1904 by the wealthy Portuguese businessman Carvalho Monteiro, which gave rise to the residence’s local name of “Palace of the Monteiro Millionaire”. The house was in construction for over 6 years, but on the death of Carvalho Monteiro, the house was purchased by Waldemar d’Orey. It stayed within the family until 1987, when it was bought by a Japanese business for private functions. Sintra local government reclaimed this important national monument it 1997 and opened it to the public in 1998.

The outside façade of the grand house is decorated with gothic turrets, carved gargoyles and other ornate features. Inside, the building spreads over five floors, but it’s very sparse in actual original details. The true wonder of the Quinta da Regaleira are the grounds, which cover 4 hectares and were inspired by the owner’s mystic ideologies.

Source: http://www.sintra-portugal.com/Attractions/Quinta-Regaleirais-Sintra.html

Outside the gate of the front entrance to the palace.

An ornate bridge with a gazebo over the lower gate.

Throughout the whole park surrounding the palace you can find grottoes, lakes, wells, benches, and tunnels.

Pictured below is the roof and tower of the Regaleira Chapel with the palace in the background. The chapel stands in front of the palace's main façade.

We spent all day exploring this exquisite palace and it's surroundings. Who wouldn't have? It was like being in a fairy tale all day long. I only wish I really could've had some coffee or tea on the terrace!

Have any of you visited Quinta Da Regaleira? Let me know what you thought of Sintra, Portugal.

This is also my entry for @quarator's Photo Friday contest #89.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

atalaya :)