The Initiation Well – Sintra, Portugal

This remarkable initiation well is not a well in the traditional sense — it was never intended to hold water.
Instead, it was designed as a symbolic architectural journey.
A deep, spiral stone structure leads downward into darkness, representing uncertainty and transformation. The ascent back to the surface through underground tunnels symbolises renewal and rebirth. Every level, proportion and material choice contributes to the narrative.
It’s a powerful example of architecture that goes beyond function.
Here, structure, geometry and meaning are inseparable — reminding us that great buildings don’t just serve a purpose, they create an experience.