Tour #1; Part 2 Quinta da Ragaleira

Back on the bus we were transported back down the hill to the Sintra town centre. Here we had time to peruse the shops and find lunch before continuing on with the next stop on the tour.

Walking a km up the road, we came across the whimsical palatial estate - Quinta da Ragaleira. This vast place was built in the early 1900's. The architecture taps into a multitude of mystical beliefs throughout time and many different cultures.  Our guide was again extremely knowledgeable and gave a great commentary as he ushered us through the best bits minus the actual mansion which is mostly off limits to the public. 

Once inside the gates, we began our tour at the Portal of the Guardians and the Terrace of the Celestial Worlds. A nice spot offering many differing vantage points.

From here we wandered uphill to join the queue of tourists lining up for the Poço Iniciático or Initiation Well, one of the most famous landmarks of Sintra. The entrance hidden within a natural rock formation, this well is not really a well but rather a subterranean tower. The one way access takes you down the spiral staircase. With 23 niches, the staircase descends for 27m and at the bottom of this abyss, the circular floor is decorated with coloured tiles, thought to depict the cross of the Knights Temples a symbol exclusive to Free Masons. According to some, the tower is more symbolic that utilitarian and that the owner, Carvalho Monteiro, a notable Free Mason had built it for spiritual reasons. 

 

At the bottom, apparently there are several tunnels, however our guide directed us along one and we walked towards the small dot of light emerging at the Lake of the Waterfall. A serene spot. Retracing our steps into the darkness, we choose a different fork - along a tunnel lit by a light rope which takes us to the exit. 

What a fascinating place! We certainly didn't spend enough time here as there was so much more to see but unfortunately the tour was on a schedule and it was time to get back to the bus.

After being on our feet for so long, we were glad for the 40min drive to the final stop of the day, the seaside village, Cascais. Cascais has grown from a sleepy fishing village to a beachside resort town full of tourists! With only an hour to explore, we grabbed a gelato and found ourselves at the main beach, Praia de Ribeira watching a volleyball footvolley match!! A little bit of shopping completed our day before returning to the bus for the trip back to Lisbon.