Quinta da Regaleira Initiation Well, Ceremonial water well at Quinta da Regaleira estate, Sintra, Portugal
The stone Initiation Well extends 27 meters into the earth with a spiral staircase descending through nine connected platforms against moss-covered walls.
Antonio Carvalho Monteiro commissioned Italian architect Luigi Manini to construct this mysterious well between 1904 and 1910 as part of the estate grounds.
The well's nine levels reference Dante's nine circles of hell and incorporate symbols related to Masonic traditions and Knights Templar ceremonies.
Visitors access the well through an entrance near the main palace and follow a marked path through underground tunnels leading to the spiral staircase.
At the bottom of the well, a Templar cross formed by stone tiles marks the end point where ceremonial rituals took place in complete darkness.
Location: Sintra
GPS coordinates: 38.79453,-9.39691
Latest update: May 11, 2025 03:22
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