Initiation Well
Initiation Well
5
9:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 7:00 PM
About
Part of the historic Quinta da Reglaeira estate, this deep well features a gothic spiral staircase that descends around 88 feet underground to a maze of tunnels. This mysterious well was said to be used for ceremonial purposes and tarot initiation rites. Admire the depths and moss-covered walls from above, before entering the well and exploring the tunnels, that will lead you to the gardens. Just remember a flashlight as it can be dark. There are often long lines, so visit right after opening, or at closing time for fewer crowds. Join a guided estate tour of Quinta da Reglaeira to learn more about its curious history. – Tripadvisor
Duration: < 1 hour
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- acdc3Chesterfield, Virginia18 contributionsBreathtakingAbsolutely beautiful. Take a tuk tuk to and from. The walk is narrow and cars wiz by. My three young children all loved it as well. Beautiful site in Sintra, do not miss this.Visited April 2023Travelled with familyWritten 14 April 2023
- Ellen LChicago, Illinois35 contributionsSintra- must see!This is the thing to see in Sintra! It is part of a beautiful garden area. The lines to enter will be long but they move and it is worth the wait. You walk down a spiral of stairs admiring the beauty. It can be a little bit wet at some points so watch your step! They people controlling the line will yell at you to continue walking if you’re taking pictures for longer than 30 seconds. You end in a cave and walk out to a beautiful waterfall. (Never have to walk up stairs to get out)Visited April 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 14 April 2023
- Laurie F33 contributionsMagical!The well itself and the underground tunnels are amazing, but the entire estate is worth taking a 1/2 day to explore. It is beautiful and peaceful as well as interesting- be sure to get an audio tour. I searched and downloaded one in advance along with tickets (skip the line) and it was terrific.Visited April 2023Travelled soloWritten 22 April 2023
- Michael K995 contributionsInteresting well with stairs leading down to the bottomThis is quite a unique experience going down the well. There is a line of people waiting to get in, but it moves relatively quickly. At the bottom of the well is reportedly an image of a Templar cross, but it looks more like the face of a compass to me. As you exit, if you know where you are going, you can also visit the bottom of the Incomplete Well nearby.Visited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 20 June 2023
- LandBGWhitley Bay, United Kingdom215 contributionsInitiation Well visitThe estate has gardens but we were pushed for time so just did the well ( you need to be moderately fit enough to walk down in semi darkness with some damp floors) and the house. Loved both. We had fast track so avoided the worst of the queue. Lovely experience but in the well the two females in front were taking selfies all the way down which started to get on our nerves but lovely experience. We all wanted to take a photo looking down then looking up but this was over the top stuff! Sintra is fab and well worth seeing and we had a lovely lunch in a restaurant close to the square. We visited Peña Palace too which was amazing.Visited June 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 5 July 2023
- K72Melbourne, Australia3,009 contributionsmpressive wellThe well is at the top of Quinta da Regaleira- keep climbing up in order to reach it. There was a long line to enter the well when we went but it moved quickly, albeit with staff continuously shouting for people to keep moving, meaning you didnt get to stop, take it in and marvel at this structure. The surrounding park is lovely and worth a couple of hours to do it justice. Entry was 11 euro. Enjoyed this site- wish I'd had more time to explore properly.Visited June 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 17 July 2023
- Justin RLino Lakes, Minnesota340 contributionsNeat well, even better cavesIf you want to see the well it’s likely you’ll have to wait in line for 20-30 minutes to get in, depending on the time of day you go. It is worth the wait. The well itself is something to see but my kids had more fun wandering around in the caves at the bottom.Visited July 2023Travelled with familyWritten 20 July 2023
- Paula C48 contributionsFun experienceWe had a very good local guide that spoke good English and he guided us in the well and gave us the historical information. The good, the scary and the myth:). Highly recommend the experience. If you are claustrophobic, like I am, not to worry. The well is well lit and spacious.Visited July 2023Travelled with familyWritten 25 July 2023
- redhead_roamingSeattle, Washington2,919 contributionsOn My To-Do List for Years!I had this bookmarked as something to do years before we ever knew we would be going to Portugal. We actually came here on my birthday, as the whole area was some place I had wanted to do for a while. We walked right towards the well after entering Quinta da Regaleira but with two little ones in tow, we took a while to get there. The line wasn't short but it kinda slowly moved along. I can't say for certain how long we were in line but probably around 30 minutes. There's a place to leave strollers, though, the exit is in a different spot and therefore, you do have to circle back for it.Visited September 2022Written 8 August 2023
- BartonbearsCoffs Harbour, Australia1,941 contributionsFascinating siteThe queue to the well was 30 minutes long and extended for hundreds of metres up the path. Still, it moved steadily. The well itself, designed with mathematical precision to represent Dante's descent into hell (or enlightenment) descends 37 vertical metres and is an unforgettable sight. It is much more significant if you know its purpose (initiating new Freemasons), so have a guide. If you have mobility issues you should give this a miss.Visited June 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 20 August 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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5.0
1,023 reviews
Excellent
839
Very good
153
Average
25
Poor
4
Terrible
2
Carmen M
8 contributions
Mar 2024 • Friends
This was an interesting sight. We enjoyed walking through the gardens and seeing all the water fountains of the Palace.
Written 14 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tommo
Melbourne, Australia50,436 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
This well is almost 27 metres deep and located at.Quinta da Regaleira.
Amazingly it was never used as a well and built for secret ceremonial purposes.
Its also an entrance to a series of underground entrances and walkways.
One can walk down the spiral staircase that leads down to the bottom of the well.
Its a really interesting place to visit and great for photo opportunities.
Amazingly it was never used as a well and built for secret ceremonial purposes.
Its also an entrance to a series of underground entrances and walkways.
One can walk down the spiral staircase that leads down to the bottom of the well.
Its a really interesting place to visit and great for photo opportunities.
Written 6 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TrezzR
Toronto, Canada106 contributions
Sept 2023 • Family
We had a bit of a wait (long line) but it was worth it. We went when it was said to be less crowded but that wasn't the case. There were a few tour groups there and I guess the last of the summer visitors. This has been on my bucket list for years and I am so glad I finally had the chance to do it. It can get a little claustrophobic going down but once you're down there it's fine. (it was only because there were a lot of people in front and behind us) I only wish we'd had fewer people and a little more time to be able to go down and enjoy the view and not feel rushed, but I understand that they wanted to get everyone through.
Written 30 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rooombiter
Isle of Wight, UK650 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
It’s magical to walk down into the well, we had no queue as it was December when we visited but I hear it gets crowded so it is suggested to head here first and then explore everywhere else as it is single file only down the steep steps.
You feel like you might be in Game of Thrones or a film set, if we had seen fairies I wouldn’t have been surprised.
You feel like you might be in Game of Thrones or a film set, if we had seen fairies I wouldn’t have been surprised.
Written 21 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cynthia C
San Diego, CA800 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
Walked to the Quinta Regaleira to see the estate, well and grounds. As you approach the estate you can see the vibes the owners had. Headed to the Initiation well, and you are allowed to climb down the stairs and then out; a bit crowded but worth the visit. The grounds are very interesting, as is the estate. Loved it even though the backstory on this place is kind of eerie.
Written 1 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GAR
243 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
One of my favourite things I saw in Portugal. The well and caves are so fun. Arrive before opening and head straight to the well as they can get busy
Written 13 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scenic60436066607
Gaithersburg, MD3 contributions
Sept 2023 • Family
Sintra, Portugal is both magical and enchanted. The Initiation Well is an architectural enigma. I highly recommend that if you are going to Sintra you include this as a must see. While there also explore the caves it is enclosed within. After seeing the Initiation Well your curiosity will be peaked.
Written 30 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lucilla K
Reading, UK19 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Was very intriguing but busy . Very popular with tourists so be prepared to queue . Stil worth the wait . Would highly recommend
Written 25 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Claire B
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Friends
Don’t bother unless you get there v early or perhaps just before closing. The queue would have taken 2 hours today. There need to be timed tickets - not good value for 11€. Spend your time elsewhere in Sintra.
Written 14 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RuthyGlasgow
Glasgow776 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
Amazing place that I had saw on a documentary and always wanted to go to. Beautiful park with the small palace, chapel and the amazing Initiation Well. History is fascinating especially when it touches on the Freemasons and the Knights Templar! Seemingly, initiates had to walk down these spiralling stairs blindfolded with a sword to their chest, whoops! This would you be reborn re the 9 sets of steps and the 9 months in the womb?? Lovely to stroll around the town of Sintra with the castle overlooking it on the hill. Not to be missed, so enjoyed this trip.
Written 10 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Theo_paar
Hoofddorp, The Netherlands110 contributions
Wat is het verhaal van initiation well? Kun je een audio tour krijgen?
copernico62
Mexico City, Mexico10 contributions
¿Este pozo es el que sale en la película"El laberinto del fauno"?
teresa r
Las Condes, Chile
Es deficit bajar el pozo? Tengo 76años e u suficiencia cardíaca. Mejor no ir?
christianmadriz1982
Tres Rios, Costa Rica742 contributions
Hola Teresa, no es difícil, no tiene escalones, se baja en espiral lentamente. Lo único que podría tener dificultad, es que, entre más se baja, el piso es más húmedo, y podría ser resbaloso. Pero eso, con unos buenos zapatos (que no sean planos) y algún soporte, está genial. No pierda la oportunidad de ir y descubrir este lugar tan hermoso! Saludos
ava804
Walnut Creek, CA
How many steps down to the well approximately? Is it really very hard for not young people ? Do you have to clime up back? Thank you.
Howard-Moon
London, UK548 contributions
You don't have to climb back up as the tunnels bring you back out at one of the lower follies (depending on which route you take). You do have to go up the hill to get to the top entrance which is fairly steep up the many paths in the park. Climb down through the well is a stone spiral staircase - but no more difficult than a normal stairs although slightly uneven.
Sean R
Benidorm, Spain6 contributions
Hi what was the nearest train station and the walk how long was it and how difficult Thank you for your time
Mrod
London, Canada86 contributions
Getting around Sintra can be a little tricky for a tourist. There is a train you could take but, once you get to the station, it might get a little hard to get around. The walks to the Quinta and Sintra itself are for the brave ones only as the walks can get a bit intense. Driving, it's recommended for the locals who know their way around the winding, steep, narrow roads. We booked our visit with a tour company in Lisbon instead (since moving around seemed a bit challenging, didn't want to spend the day getting lost :) . The day tour was great and we got to visit Sintra without feeling rushed, we are glad we did.
Maddalena G
Genzano di Roma, Italy3 contributions
Come arrivare dal chiado
DonFrancisco57
Palermo, Italy623 contributions
Io ho preso una vettura con autista che mi ha portato da Lisbona a Sintra. Il modo più economico è col trenino che parte da Rossio. Impiega circa 50 minuti.
Como vou para aqui da estação do comboio?
betteskid
Boston, MA1,356 contributions
Hi - I did not arrive by train so I can't give specific directions. I think the walk would be 20 to 30 minutes perhaps. I would use the Google map app - either live or through the downloaded offline maps to help with this.
MsBojangles8876
MsBojangles8876
Hello, Where are bathrooms located? Also, when is the best time of the year to go? Thank you!
Anna Å
Landskrona, Sweden45 contributions
Think that there are toilets near exit. Go when it’s not to hot. A lot of people, bu the park is big.
Lisa M
Brooklyn, NY3 contributions
Are there less crowds in the morning or evening?
Joanna K
Oslo, Norway247 contributions
It surely depends on the season. We were there in the morning & it wasn’t crowded, at noon there were quite a lot of people. The positive thing is that the whole place is so big that it does not actually matter whether there are crowds or not.
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Claim your listingINITIATION WELL: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Initiation Well
- Hotels near Initiation Well:
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- (0.14 mi) Quinta Velha - Eighteen21 Houses
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- (0.11 mi) Coisas Do Vinho
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- (0.23 mi) Lawrence's Hotel Restaurant