Dante’s Well

Dante’s Well in Sintra is actually the Initiation Well at Quinta da Regaleira estate. It is a inverted 27 meter deep tower with a spiral staircase, serving as a symbolic descent into the earth. The spiral staircase descends nine levels, with 15 steps between them. The nine levels are thought to represent the nine circles of Hell, the stages of Purgatory, and the heavenly spheres from Dante’s Divine Comedy. The structure is believed to have been used for symbolic initiation ceremonies where participants undergo a spiritual journey of self-discovery, death, and rebirth. The base of the well connects to an extensive network of underground tunnels leading to grottoes and gardens, allowing for a symbolic rebirth upon emerging into the light. I hope I emerged cleansed!Read more