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The town of Sintra, classified as World Heritage, is a key destination for tourists, and one of the town's highlights is the Quinta da Regaleira, an extremely beautiful architectural complex which includes an early twentieth century palace and a garden which symbolises initiation rites.
The estate is located less than 1 km from the historical centre, on the road leading towards the palace of Seteais. There is no direct public transport but the route is well signposted for pedestrians.
The palace was built between 1904 and 1910, based on architectural designs by Luigi Mannini, who also designed the Buçaco Palace (now a hotel). The stones and wood used in both buildings were crafted by the same team of craftsmen. The architect was also linked to the works of the Scala Opera in Milan and the São Carios Theatre in Lisboa.
The style used in the construction of the palace and chapel is neo-Manueline, with fine examples of carved stone motifs.

As a result of advice from specialists such as José Manuel Annes, the Sintra Municipal Council decided to classify and purchase the estate and open it to the public. These specialists consider that the estate reveals and symbolises Masonic rituals.
No-one knows whether the original owner of the estate, António Carvalho Monteiro, actually practised Masonic rituals on the site, or simply desired to perpetuate the imaginary universe of this secret cult. The garden includes labyrinthine galleries and subterranean grottoes, which can be accessed in three directions: from a spiral staircase which leads to a 15- metre deep dry well; an arcade with a stone footpath which is covered by a waterfall which flows into a lake; and finally a second dry well.
The latter dry well is 60 metres deep, and has 9 stairwells each with 15 steps. At the bottom of the well lies a Templar's cross inserted within an eight-pointed star. o one side lies a chapel dedicated to the Holy Trinity, which contains another Templar's cross, upon which a triangle with an omniscient eye has been carved. Bencath the chapel is a crypt with black and white mosaic tiles, which provides access to a gallery connecting the chapel with the palace.
The mosaic tiles and the triangle are one of several Masonic reverences. Other symbols include a cockerel sculpted on one of the verandahs of an eight sided tower; a breasted eagle perched upon the highest terrace, which represents Saint John the Evangelist; and a pelican placed above the main entrance, which according to Rosicrucian symbolism represents Christ.
The use of the crosses of the Order of the Templars also reveal the incorporation of Templar symbolism within Masonry, resulting from the influence of King Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, husband of the Portuguese Queen Maria II.

(Turismo de Lisboa)