The Mayan Ruins of Tulum - Part 2

A barred access to one of the buildings undergoing restoration work.

The House of Columns, also known as The Great Palace, was one of the largest residential building in Tulum. Originally L-shaped, it later received an additional west wing.

The House of the Halach Uinic, to which a thatch awning has been added to help prevent further sun and water damage to the stucco figure beneath it.

The Castle was built over different periods, close to the edge of the cliff on the east side of the inner precinct.

Mystic and Mysterious

It's a place that makes you feel like you've entered the Twilight Zone. Fabulous architecture, intense atmosphere - from the buildings to the gardens... and please don't get me started on the tunnels!

Earlier this year I got myself an ultra-wide angle lens for my beloved 40D and went to try it out in Sintra, at Quinta da Regaleira. I live only a few miles away, but I had never been there and I was blown away by the place... Lord Byron knew what he was talking about when he described Sintra as a "Glorious Eden"!

I took this one crouching on one of the steps :)
It's The Palace:

Then, I entered the palace and came out on a balcony. Surprise, surprise - a welcome breath of fresh air (contrasting with the heavy atmosphere on the inside). When I first looked around I wondered if I really had entered the Twilight Zone and got teleported to Disneyland :)

Walking around the gardens, I came across the Initiation Well, inspired by the initiation rites of the Knights Templar. Going down these stairs is a truly mystic experience... if you can block out all the other people around you.
I could focus for a moment and it was a powerful emotion... I was dizzy even before I began the descent... but taking this next photo (I know I already posted it here, but now you know the rest of the story) may have had something to do with that :)

Tags: Sintra, Regaleira, palace, well, initiation, Byron, garden, mystery, mysticism, knights, templar, Canon, EOS, 40D, CarlaFrancisco