In the deep darkness of this mysterious underground tower lies a labyrinth of
tunnels and caves that are witness to ancient rituals that men sought to
overcome in a quest to reach the light. What secrets are shrouded in the depths
of this enigmatic tower and who passed through the trials of its hidden
passages and triumphed? We descend into the darkness to shed light on this enigma.
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Quinta da Regaleira is an enchanting estate
located near the historic center of Sintra, about 30 kilometres from
Lisbon, Portugal, and one of its major tourist attractions.
But deep underground is a network of mysterious tunnels
and grottoes steeped in myth hidden by the
romantic palace, gardens and lakes above.
It is also known as the palace of Monteiro 'The Millionaire',
being the nickname of its best-known former owner
Antonio Augusto Carvalho Monteiro.
Monteiro was eager to build a bewildering place
where he could collect symbols that reflected his interests and ideologies.
With the assistance of the Italian architect Luigi Manini,
he recreated the four hectare estate
- on land previously granted by King Alfonso I to the Templar Order -
with symbolism many believed to be related to
alchemy, Masonry the Rosicrucians and not least the Knights Templar.
Hewn beneath these grounds of spiritual enlightenment can be found
the most intriguing features reflecting his beliefs - The Initiation Wells.
These better resemble underground towers lined with stairs.
Tunnels connect these wells, in addition to various caves and
other monuments located around the park.
The larger well (constructed 1904 - 1910) is 27-metres deep.
with a spiral staircase and several small landings,
evoking Gothic mysticism, these wells never served as water sources.
Instead, they are said to have been used for ceremonial purposes
that included Templar Masonry initiation rites.
The spacing of these landings combined with the number of steps
in the stairs is believed to be linked to the mysticism of Templar initiation rituals.
Candidates were to triumph over darkness to reach the light and
and enter the Fellowship of the Order.
9 flights of spiral stairs symbolize 8 Knights and 1 Grand Master.
Today, tourists carefully tread the spiral staircase to
discover the secret labyrinthine world at its base.
But it is thought that, in the past, disorientated candidates
would have to descend blindfolded to the
Rose of the Winds, at the base of the well
(an 8 -point compass rose with
4 cardinal and 4 ordinal directions)
placed upon the Templar Cross
that represents the grand-master,
all the while with a sword placed close to the heart.
Yet the journey does not end here, for the candidate must pass through a
series of dark tunnels hewn into the rock and discover the path
that leads to the light in order to prevail.
As the veil of darkness is lifted, he will walk on water,
as a finale - rich in religious symbolism -
towards the Chapel of Quinta da Regaleira
to be welcomed as a brother of the Order.