The image displays an ornate, multi-story stone courtyard located within the Quinta da Regaleira estate in Sintra (Santa Maria e São Miguel, São Martinho e São Pedro de Penaferrim), Portugal

The image displays an ornate, multi-story stone courtyard located within the Quinta da Regaleira estate in Sintra (Santa Maria e São Miguel, São Martinho e São Pedro de Penaferrim), Portugal. The central ground-level floor is paved with a distinctive mosaic of alternating dark blue and light-colored square tiles arranged in a diagonal checkerboard pattern, bordered by a solid light-colored band. A weathered stone fountain, sculpted to resemble a large, ruffled clam or scallop shell, occupies the center of the courtyard. It rests on a pedestal composed of four smaller, rough-hewn stone blocks and contains a vibrant green fern. Multiple potted plants, resembling small palm trees with long green fronds, are placed in woven or textured stone containers along the left side of the courtyard and further back. The courtyard walls are constructed from grey, intricately carved stone. The ground level features a series of arched passageways supported by classical columns. The upper level presents a balustrade with numerous slender columns and arches. Above this, the walls are extensively decorated with *azulejo* tiles, displaying complex patterns in shades of blue, green, and white, including geometric and floral motifs. Horizontal bands of rope-like stone carvings delineate sections of the tiled walls. A prominent central stone pillar extends vertically through the courtyard, capped with a sculpted gargoyle-like feature. Sunlight from above illuminates the upper sections of the courtyard, casting distinct shadows across the tiled floor. A faint, dark human figure is partially visible behind the columns on the upper left level, suggesting an individual observing the courtyard.