Looking down the Initiation well of Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra, Portugal. cover photo - 181075388

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Photo title: Looking down the Initiation well of Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra, Portugal.
Author: Rechitansorin

Cover photo description:
The Initiation Wells, also called initiatic wells or inverted towers, are two wells on the property that better resemble underground towers lined with stairs. These wells never served as water sources. Instead, they were used for ceremonial purposes that included Tarot initiation rites. The tunnels described above connect these wells to one another, in addition to various caves and other monuments located around the park. Of the two wells, the larger one contains a 27-metre spiral staircase with several small landings. The spacing of these landings, combined with the number of steps in the stairs, are linked to Tarot mysticism. Other references may be to Freemasonry or Knights Templar rituals. The smaller well contains straight stairs that connect a series of ring-shaped floors to one another. This well is also called the `Unfinished Well`. Quinta da Regaleira is a quinta estate located near the historic centre of Sintra. The property consists of a Romantic palace and chapel, and a luxurious park that features lakes, grottoes, wells, benches, fountains, and a vast array of exquisite constructions. The palace is also known as ` The Palace of Monteiro the Millionaire `, which is based on the nickname of its best known former owner, Antonio Augusto Carvalho Monteiro. It is classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is considered one of the principal tourist attractions of Sintra. Portugal, Europe.