This is the gate to a castle that I didn’t even realize was on my travel vision board until I peered down into the inverted staircase. Exploring the hidden caverns and the interior of the palace was incredibly inspiring and helped me envision some of the palaces I write about.

Quinta da Regaleira.

“Highlights of the Quinta da Regaleira. The Poço Iniciático (Initiation Well) – A mysterious, inverted tower constructed around a well, which descends via a spiral staircase to a Knights Templar Cross inscribed on the floor. Its design was inspired by secretive religious ceremonies, but possibly also hosted them!”