We all HATE the beginning fluff of whatever we are searching for. The same way that we could not be any happier to click “jump to recipe” to skip some chef’s garbage blog and get to the instructions. GIVE US THE RECIPE CHARLENE!!! NOBODY CARES ABOUT YOUR TIME IN SPAIN.
LET US GET TO IT!
I was in Sintra. It’s a city in Portugal known for it’s castles. People come from all over the world to check them out. My girlfriend suggested we go. It was nice but then we checked out Quinta da Regaleira. This is where things became very interesting (to me at least)
The architecture bears a striking resemblance to Zelda. Here are pictures.
Of course it would be easy to say that a castle is a castle is a castle but the two wells are what gave it away for me.
Even the map of the grounds of Quinta da Regaleira has that Zelda feel:
Not in terms of artwork but layout and design. If that wasn’t enough proof, the fact that a Japanese Company named the Aoki Corporation bought the property in 1987 also gives strong claim. Most tour guides will only speak about this period as a footnote but I believe this is when the inspiration really started to take hold.
The Aoki Corporation kept the property closed till 1997. I could not find ANYTHING on what happened during that ten year period. Obviously, it isn’t the only place where inspiration for the architecture existed but I believe this place had a strong influence on several Zelda games.
Anyway, if you’re a Zelda fanatic like me, you’ll really enjoy checking this place out. I could have spent all day there.
Please Share and/or Comment!
ALSO, NOTE FOR PALACE VISITORS:
Most of the castles to check in Sintra have awful parking situations. Your best bet is to take an Uber. It will cost you very little. You can also take the tour bus which takes you to certain castles depending on the routes. That is about 12 euros for a day pass to use any and all buses. They can get crowded.
