"Initiation Wells
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 purportedly used for ceremonial purposes. 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 23 small niches on the side. The nine flights of stairs could be linked to the Knights Templar, which had nine founders.[3] They might also symbolize the 9 churches of Hell from Dantes’ Inferno.[4] At the bottom of the well is an inland stone compass with the Templar cross.[4] Other references may be to Freemasonry, Rosicrucianism rituals.
Carvalho Monteiro was possibly an initiate of the Knights Templar, a Catholic military order. This medieval order originated in the early 1100’s and likely disbanded in the 1300’s. However, groups like the Freemasons revived their rituals and traditions hundreds of years later. It is believed that initiations at Quinta da Regaleira began with blindfolded candidates entering one of the wells. They purportedly held a sword close to their heart and descended the 9 flights of stairs. Once they reached the bottom of the well, they walked into a dark labyrinth and needed to find their way up towards the light then to the chapel, where they were welcomed into the brotherhood.[3]
The smaller well contains straight stairs that connect a series of ring-shaped floors to one another.[5] This well is also called the 'Unfinished Well'."
It descends into hell as recreation, it has different layers towards the bottom, circles of hell, which holds Masonic not Templar initation at the bottom. It branches off into a cavernous grotto, and then comes out on stream, waterfall I think. It possibly has another ceremony room off it with an altar, pulpit, has Masonic flooring and symbology. It has nothing to do with the Templars.
It was the King's Castle but was given to a lordship who was one of the richest men in Portugal prior to its revolution. He refurbished it using Sintra. The entire grounds and some interior were made into Masonic themes. I forget who owns it now but the initiation well was filled in for years, then it was rediscovered. Now it has reopened as a tourist attraction and has possibly been used in film.
I watched a documentary about it called hidden or lost architecture, or it was called abandoned engineering. It was fascinating.
Here's your well there..
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quinta_da_Regaleira
It says it wasn't for no fuckin water.
"Initiation Wells 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 purportedly used for ceremonial purposes. 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 23 small niches on the side. The nine flights of stairs could be linked to the Knights Templar, which had nine founders.[3] They might also symbolize the 9 churches of Hell from Dantes’ Inferno.[4] At the bottom of the well is an inland stone compass with the Templar cross.[4] Other references may be to Freemasonry, Rosicrucianism rituals.
Carvalho Monteiro was possibly an initiate of the Knights Templar, a Catholic military order. This medieval order originated in the early 1100’s and likely disbanded in the 1300’s. However, groups like the Freemasons revived their rituals and traditions hundreds of years later. It is believed that initiations at Quinta da Regaleira began with blindfolded candidates entering one of the wells. They purportedly held a sword close to their heart and descended the 9 flights of stairs. Once they reached the bottom of the well, they walked into a dark labyrinth and needed to find their way up towards the light then to the chapel, where they were welcomed into the brotherhood.[3]
The smaller well contains straight stairs that connect a series of ring-shaped floors to one another.[5] This well is also called the 'Unfinished Well'."
Here it is,
https://www.abandonedspaces.com/mansion/the-initiation-well-at-quinta-da-regaleira-near-sinta-portugal.html
It descends into hell as recreation, it has different layers towards the bottom, circles of hell, which holds Masonic not Templar initation at the bottom. It branches off into a cavernous grotto, and then comes out on stream, waterfall I think. It possibly has another ceremony room off it with an altar, pulpit, has Masonic flooring and symbology. It has nothing to do with the Templars.
It was the King's Castle but was given to a lordship who was one of the richest men in Portugal prior to its revolution. He refurbished it using Sintra. The entire grounds and some interior were made into Masonic themes. I forget who owns it now but the initiation well was filled in for years, then it was rediscovered. Now it has reopened as a tourist attraction and has possibly been used in film.
I watched a documentary about it called hidden or lost architecture, or it was called abandoned engineering. It was fascinating.
What did they get upto.?