Reflections on Sintra, Portugal

May 5, 2014 at 7:06 pm  •  Posted in architecture, Art, Nature, Portugal by

Antonio Augusto Carvalho Monteiro was a simple entomologist who had inherited a huge fortune. To extend his wealth he set out to become quite an eccentric capitalist. You see, he had dreams of someday setting sail through the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean and to follow the breeze up to Portugal. Rio de Janeiro held little to nothing for him now that his parents had both passed away. So what he needed was a fresh start.

2.5 acres of land later and an itialian architect by his side, Antonio Augusto Carvalho Monteiro set out to build a place that would show and express his interests and ideologies. Almost six years went by and eventually enigmatic buildings rose from the ground. But from atop the hill, he wasn’t able to see the surrounding green mountains and the suns reflection in the ocean set far off in the distance. Instead, all he could see were the tall trees and overgrown vines that seemed to be internally attached to his estate, living and breathing as one. Nestled in that hill was a world of its own. He couldn’t have been happier.

There was a palace. There were towers, chapels, and fountains. There was also a park which  hid tunnels below, away from the viewers eye. The architecture was conceived of many different styles from Roman to Gothic, Renaissance, and Manueline. Antonio Augusto Carvalho Monteiro had created an UNESCO world heritage site without knowing what he was doing. All he knew was that he had wished for something so great and bewildering that he could call his own; that represented him. Now, as a “Cultural Landscape of Sintra” you’re able to visit Quinta da Regaleira and maybe feel a soft resonation of that great first owner, see how his cultural interests influenced the way he created, and uncover the symbols embodying the grounds of a small Portuguese town.

Tunnels all around the property pop out at various hidden places!

Tunnels all around the property pop out at various hidden places!

This is the castle

The Palace reminds me of Fantasyland at Disney

THis is the subterranean tower he built that goes 5 levels deep!

This is the subterranean tower he built that goes 5 levels deep!

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5 Comments

  1. Cliff Sharples / May 6, 2014 at 11:14 pm /

    Sintra was so fun, and part of an all-too-short of a visit to Portugal. Love the description and bit of history Yve!!

  2. Terry Aufranc / May 7, 2014 at 2:45 am /

    OK. That does it. I really have to go to Portugal. Thank you Yve

  3. Kaarina / May 7, 2014 at 9:28 pm /

    Thanks for the history lesson! Where did you find all of that awesome information?

    • Yve / May 8, 2014 at 6:11 am /

      Thanks! Good ol’ Wikipedia knows everything 😉 but I improvised on the part where he “longed to go to portugal since Brazil held nothing of interest anymore” so I guess it’s more historical fiction then

  4. Stephanie Craig (@steffinseattle) / May 8, 2014 at 12:45 pm /

    Yveeeee. . .I miss you, come home! Pretty pictures and great history recap. :)

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