Descending Through Hell at Magical Sintra

“Soon you will be where your own eyes will see the source and cause and give you their own answer to the mystery.”
― Dante Alighieri, Inferno

With only a week in Lisbon, I barely had one day to visit Sintra — a treasure trove of relics; the origins of the city date back to the Palaeolithic, Neolithic, Bronze, and Iron ages, followed by the Roman and Moorish occupation. In 1147, King Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, conquered the region of Santarém and Lisbon, finally integrating it with the kingdom of Portugal. A colorful town of palaces, and long-winded hilltop castles, surrounded by mystical forests, I couldn’t possibly miss it.

While reading up on Sintra, I was immediately captivated by the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira — cloaked with mysticism full of masonic symbols. I booked an Airbnb experience for the same. I love the ‘Airbnb experiences’ as the guide is usually an expert in their field–local to the destination with befitting qualifications and experience. Airbnb screens all guides and itineraries and, like property rentals, receive star ratings and reviews. Most importantly, we can choose personalized experiences that deal with a handful of travelers.

Marta, our guide, came to pick us up in her van at the given pickup point in Lisbon. A bundle of energy, Marta has a major in Alchemy! Only five travelers with varied backgrounds set out for Sintra for the day.