Initiation Well
Initiation Well
5
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:30 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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- wendave2Toronto, Canada72 contributionsWorthwhile experienceVery interesting and fun place to check out. Try to get to Sintra early in the morning to beat the crowds. We took the train from Lisbon (Rossio station) and quickly walked up the hill to the Well. By the time we came out of the Well, there was a very long line of people waiting to go in.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 8 October 2023
- TrezzRToronto, Canada107 contributionsSpectacularWe 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.Visited September 2023Travelled with familyWritten 30 January 2024
- TommoMelbourne, Australia56,950 contributionsA well never used as one!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.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 6 February 2024
- Tom BentleyWaukesha, Wisconsin57 contributionsI don't care how long the lines is, just go see it!The well is simply crazy. It really is awesome. we were in the off season but the line still had 300 people in it, but it moved fast and we were in the well in 25 minutes. This thing never had a real purpose, it was just built to be cool and it was.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 8 May 2024
- Lmira1971Perth, Australia203 contributionsLong lines, nice once inVery long lines. Worth a look if you have time but personally I would spend more time at Pena and the moorish castle than this place. You stand in line for ages for a 5 mix attraction , but the tunnels underneath at bottom are interesting.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 24 May 2024
- DapgerMcKinney, Texas370 contributionsVery cool site to see.I enjoyed this area a lot and the well was very cool. The line looks horrible but goes really fast. The inside of the well is very impressive but the stairs can be slick in the wrong shoes. The cave was easy and well lit. The waterfall was a nice surprise.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 25 May 2024
- Steve DDivonne-les-Bains, France849 contributionsQuirky 100%Certainly enjoyed the walk through caves to the inverse tower. You cannot experience this anywhere else. Being faced with 3 exit choices we decided we need to see All 3 as most did. I enjoyed it.Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 5 June 2024
- Paul FSt. Petersburg, Florida46 contributionsHeaded straight for the well.Went to Pena Palace first, so arrived around 12:30. It is a good half mile walk form where the bus will drop you off. Mostly up hill, so wear good walking shoes. As you approach the Quinta da Regaleira you will pass the exit first. The entrance is around the corner (about 200m up hill). I purchased my ticket in advance, so that saved a little time. When I got in I headed straight for the well (about 200m up hill). The queue for the well extends past the entrance (about 100m up hill). It took about an hour total to get through well. A little smaller in diameter than pictures would leave you to believe, but very interesting. Definitely the highlight of Quinta da Regaleira.Visited May 2024Travelled soloWritten 13 June 2024
- pfefmeisterSan Francisco, California4,367 contributionsBest AttractionThis is where everyone heads, as should you. This is the only attraction that left an impression during our visit. The line moves quickly, you descend into the ground on a spiral staircase with a small waterfall at the end. Fun, but quickly visited, unless you need to take a hundred photos on the way down.Visited July 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 30 July 2024
- tk3232Sugar Land, Texas4,269 contributionsInteresting and unusualItinitation Well is located in the Quinta da Regaleira park and is one of the main attractions of this place. Despite all the scares in other reviews, the line was impressive at first glance, but moved very quickly. The stay inside itself will not take more than five minutes, but the impression is incredible, as if you were in space. It's an inverted 90 foot tower that goes down nine stories underground. Each floor is a symbol of one of the mortal sins. Each half-floor is a vice. After passing through purgatory, at the bottom, you'll walk through a cave and emerge into the light at a nice waterfall, cleansed of all your sins and happy to have gotten out of there.Visited July 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 3 September 2024
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
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Brendan N
Saint Louis, MO101 contributions
Feb 2020
While exploring most of the culture around Portugal, from the Knights Templar to the Portuguese explorations, this was the worst place of them all. The history is not deep in this place and the price is expensive. I recommend avoiding this place unless you want to go through a paid spiritual journey.
Written 27 February 2020
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.
Bartonbears
Coffs Harbour, Australia2,769 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
The 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.
Written 20 August 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.
GeneralShamu
New York City, NY1,174 contributions
May 2022
Part of the Quinta da Reglaeira. This place gets crowded so be patient to be able to go in - it's definitely worth it. Pretty fascinating tunnel network after you get to the bottom - it is somewhat lit so do expect to need to turn on the flashlight on your phone to guide you at times. Safe for kids.
Written 26 May 2022
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.
spllmyr
Wennigsen, Germany57 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
It is something special, like an upside-down tower that has been grafted into a hill. The entire property is sprawling, park-like, with underground passageways, a castle-like building.
In my opinion, it is terribly and incoherently designed in many places. The overall impression is rather strange, as the whole thing is not that old.
It is precisely this "instagrammable object" that is attractive; it gives you photos that you don't really need to take anymore. But everyone takes them, including me. Some people take ages to do so. This is one of the reasons why the building cannot be photographed without a smartphone and the waiting time to enter was 90 minutes. During this time, you could see that the Silver Society also passes the time on TikTok, needs power banks, and others take selfies while waiting or videos of the entire queue, post them, and hashtag them.
It was something special. There is certainly no need to do it a second time.
In my opinion, it is terribly and incoherently designed in many places. The overall impression is rather strange, as the whole thing is not that old.
It is precisely this "instagrammable object" that is attractive; it gives you photos that you don't really need to take anymore. But everyone takes them, including me. Some people take ages to do so. This is one of the reasons why the building cannot be photographed without a smartphone and the waiting time to enter was 90 minutes. During this time, you could see that the Silver Society also passes the time on TikTok, needs power banks, and others take selfies while waiting or videos of the entire queue, post them, and hashtag them.
It was something special. There is certainly no need to do it a second time.
Written 17 August 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.
Eric S
Birr, Ireland13 contributions
Dec 2019
This well is a great place to visit as part of a tour of the Quinta da Regaleira. It is unique (in my experience), and of great interest if you are into the Knights Templar and similar groups. Look ot for the Knights Templar cross there
Written 15 November 2020
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.
The Flying Spaniard
Sofia, Bulgaria2,689 contributions
Sept 2020 • Solo
It is a place full of mysticism and magic. Maybe the templarian cross on the ground has something to be with it.
I was lucky to cross it almost alone, and you feel much more the energy this place transmits.
This is definitely one of the places that really touched me. If you visit Sintra, try to go at the end of the day, when there are less people, so that you have a more complete experience.
I was lucky to cross it almost alone, and you feel much more the energy this place transmits.
This is definitely one of the places that really touched me. If you visit Sintra, try to go at the end of the day, when there are less people, so that you have a more complete experience.
Written 29 September 2020
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.
Mihai GRIGORE
Palma de Mallorca, Spain175 contributions
Jul 2019 • Couples
It is a must to see if you visit Quinta da Regaleira and you shouldn't miss it !!! Amazing architecture and amazing idea to build such a tower underground . A very mustique place full of positive energy.
Words cannot describe the feelings you have there! Just go and see with your own eyes !!!
Words cannot describe the feelings you have there! Just go and see with your own eyes !!!
Written 1 January 2020
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.
Brambly Hedge
Ulverston, UK353 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
Have wanted to come here for years, after seeing it on YOUTUBE and it did not disappoint. The work that has gone into this place is incredible. Tip come early in the morning and make your way here first, by lunch time the queues were long, god knows what it's like in August. We saw quite a few tour groups being herded down the steps, in a rush, but we went on our own so had plenty of time to really appreciate it's beauty and wonder.
Written 7 December 2022
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.
spike8744
Cardiff, UK131 contributions
Jan 2023
Visited here for the Knights Templar History and to do some research into Templar Myth and legend. A fantastic place with its gardens and grounds keeping you interested for many hours. If you get the chance go down into the well and go through the tunnels beneath you won’t be sorry. There is a small cafe on site but leave that until the end to get your breath back and take in the surroundings including the Moors Castle high on the mountain top.
Written 19 January 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.
Yann Renaud
Switzerland862 contributions
Mar 2020
An impressive well built in the middle of the huge park of the Quinta da Regaleira. I however guess it can become pretty anoying when the place is crowded... And you might well have to queue for getting down...
But if you are in the area, it is really nice to pay a visit to this highly symbolic well!
But if you are in the area, it is really nice to pay a visit to this highly symbolic well!
Written 20 March 2020
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.
Wat is het verhaal van initiation well? Kun je een audio tour krijgen?
Written 8 November 2022
¿Este pozo es el que sale en la película"El laberinto del fauno"?
Written 23 August 2020
teresa r
Las Condes, Chile
Es deficit bajar el pozo? Tengo 76años e u suficiencia cardíaca. Mejor no ir?
Written 13 January 2020
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
Written 14 January 2020
ava804
Walnut Creek, California
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.
Written 30 November 2019
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.
Written 2 December 2019
Hi what was the nearest train station and the walk how long was it and how difficult Thank you for your time
Written 23 April 2019
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.
Written 24 April 2019
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.
Written 8 December 2018
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.
Written 22 August 2018
Hello, Where are bathrooms located? Also, when is the best time of the year to go? Thank you!
Written 20 July 2018
Think that there are toilets near exit. Go when it’s not to hot. A lot of people, bu the park is big.
Written 2 August 2018
Are there less crowds in the morning or evening?
Written 11 April 2018
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.
Written 12 April 2018
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