Back to photostream

Pathway of rebirth

Masonic initiation well, Quinta da Regaleira, Sintra, Portugal.

This is one of two enigmatic wells ("inverted towers") spiraling into the ground of the Quinta, a spectacular estate shaped (1904-1910) by the eccentric entomologist António Carvalho Monteiro within a landscape marked by history (Neolithic, Romans, Moors, Templars) and adorned by architectures, lakes, fountains and grottoes of oriental and gothic inspiration.

The wells, connected by a mysterious network of tunnels, symbolize the hermetic allegory of death and rebirth and their oneiric character is reminiscent of the rings, sections and skies of Hell, Purgatory and Paradise crossed by Dante in the Divine Comedy

[Nikkor AI 18mm f/4]

34,912 views
1,172 faves
103 comments
Uploaded on March 13, 2016
Taken on February 19, 2016