The enigmatic palace and its gardens is one of Sintra's most visited attractions
This enigmatic neo-Manueline (Portuguese Gothic-Renaissance) monument is a magical place of fantastic gardens, grottoes, lakes, and a well with a monumental staircase spiraling down nearly 30 meters (100 ft). It’s a fantasy turned into the palatial residence of millionaire António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro (the top coffee importer of the time) in 1892, blending a variety of architectural styles in unexpected harmony.
The neo-Manueline (Portuguese Gothic) interior of the palace
Finally completed in 1910, both the palace and the four acres of the enchanting garden are filled with esoteric symbols, statues of mythological figures and a maze of grottoes, creating a fun experience that attracts an increasing number of visitors of all ages.
The palace features an octogonal tower and is made up of five floors. Its exterior is adorned with turrets, gargoyles, and other intricately carved details, while inside it displays period furniture, an ornate fireplace, frescoes, and painted ceilings (one of them depicting the portraits of Portugal’s kings).
The interior is decorated with period furniture and painted walls
Outside is the Capela da Santíssima Trindade (the Chapel of the Holy Trinity), with an interior and exterior in a Gothic Revival and neo-Manueline style, richly decorated with stuccoes and stained glass windows.
The property’s iconic well is hidden nearby, and symbolizes the initiation rites of the Knights Templar.
Inside the Chapel of the Holy Trinity
Quinta da Regaleira was private property until 1997, when the municipality of Sintra acquired it and opened it to the public. It’s now one of the town’s most visited sights.
The iconic well, with a monumental spiraling staircase
Across the road is another estate with exotic architecture. It’s the Islamic-inspired palace of Quinta do Relógio, which dates back to 1860. It’s not open to the public, but made news in 2017 when popstar Madonna expressed interest in buying it.
Visitors spend more time at the gardens than inside the palace
Visiting Quinta da Regaleira
Quinta da Regaleira has become quite a popular attraction, now second to Pena Palace, so it can be quite crowded. However, you just may have to wait a bit at the ticket counter, as once you’re allowed in, you’ll find that everyone is spread out in the garden.
It’s recommended that you make this your third attraction in Sintra, after visiting Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle early in the morning.
A typical visit takes close to 2 hours.
How to Get to Quinta da Regaleira
Quinta da Regaleira is about a 25-minute walk from the train station, and about a 10-minute walk from the center of town. Alternatively, you may take bus 435, which departs a few feet from the train station.
Before you reach the palace you pass by Cascata dos Pisões, a small waterfall.
Rua Barbosa du Bocage, 5
Admission and Tickets to Quinta da Regaleira
Tickets to Quinta da Regaleira are €10 for adults (€8 for those with the Lisboa Card) and €5 for children and seniors. That includes admission to both the palace and gardens.
There are audio guides available in Portuguese, English, Spanish, French, German, Italian and Russian for an extra €3.
You may skip the line and get a guided tour when you book online: Tickets for Quinta da Regaleira: Skip-the-Line & Guided Tour
Opens from 9:30am and 8pm between April and September, and from 9:30am to 6pm from October to March. The last admission is one hour before closing time.
Attractions Nearby
Seteais Palace is just steps from Quinta da Regaleira (about a 3-minute walk), while the Sintra National Palace is about a 10-minute walk back in the center of town.