5 secret spots

All cities have tourist attractions, those that we all know. Usually, I write about them under my Travel label, This time, I'll put a list of five less-known spots in some cities, with its stories. Here we go.

Fontaine des Innocents @ Paris

The oldest monumental fountain in Paris, is placed on a large square hidden from big streets by surrounding buildings, so you'll have to look around to find it. Built in 16th century Renaissance style, this hidden treasure takes place where burial ground took place since middle ages. This mass grave cemetery is today defunct, after exhumation was done in 18th century.
Author of this masterpiece is Pierre Lescot, the architect in charge of building projects of Palais du Louvre. Lescot's style is best described as "implantation of pure and correct classical architecture in France." so, it is quite natural that he was inspired with Nymphaeum of ancient Rome while working on fountain.

Today, FdI is another photogenic meeting point in the City of Lights. People are wandering around, meeting each other, having a cup of coffee or falafel in surrounding cafes, watch each other, rolling a cigarette and having fun.

Jewish quarter @ Rome

In the city proclaimed a center of catholic Christianity, there is a quarter that belongs to other world. Ghetto di Roma was established in 16th century in the area up north from Isola Tiberina, and west of Teatro Marcellino.

A grand 16th c fountain by Giacomo della Porta, with palazzo Cenci in the background. This used to be the only source of fresh water for the entire Jewish population of Rome.

Although there are references to the underground world below Il Ghetto, like in most of today's Rome, it is more interesting above. The atmosphere is different from the other parts of the city: once it was the worst place in Rome, nowadays it is a mix of history and good eating. If you have no idea get a place at La Taverna del Ghetto and enjoy life.

Quinta da Regaleira @ Sintra

This might easily be the most magical place I visited, and I did it right after all castles and palaces of Sintra (that are magnificent, as well). This hidden gem is a part of UNESCO World Heritage Site "Cultural Landscape of Sintra", and is also known as "The Palace of Monteiro the Millionaire".

(Click to enlarge)

Although estate has a very interesting history, as an architect I was enchanted by the "everything" in one place. I love maximalism, and felt here like at home.

Weird owner Monteiro designed this place with the help of italian architect Luigi Manini, full of towers, statues, grottos, benches, plants, stairs, secret passages, tunnels and lakes. It showed his interests into  alchemy, Masonry, the Knights Templar, and the Rosicrucians. 
Estate itself has various architectural styles implemented, its own Chapel, Labyrinthic Grotto, Leda's cave and Initiation Wells. Wells are actually underground towers with the staircase around. They were never used as a source of water but for ceremonial purposes.
I was lucky enough to visit it by myself (with no tourists around), and even was privileged to stay in after the opening hours (still, I don't recommend it, spending night here might be little uncomfy), so plan your visit carefully.