When vacation looms on the horizon, many are faced with a choice of where to spend it. Some people prefer excursion tourism, others prefer lazy beach vacations, water sports enthusiasts are ready to spend all their free time on conquering the sea. And those who want to get everything at once should go to the busy suburb of Lisbon, the Portuguese resort of Cascais.
History of the city
The annals of the founding of the city are rooted in the distant 1364, when it gained independence. For a long time before this, Kiskais was considered the possession of Sintra. Previously, it was an ordinary fishing village, which existed at the expense of agriculture and fishing, supplying seafood to the capital - Lisbon. And it got its name from the "shells of mollusks" that spread along the coast.
Due to its geographical position, the city became a bastion protecting the country from the sea. However, built in the XV century. the citadel could not resist the Spanish Duke of Albu.
During the Napoleonic invasions, the city was occupied by the French, and there came a time of stagnation, which was interrupted by the Portuguese kings, who chose the suburbs of Lisbon as their summer residence. A temperate climate, clean air, proximity to the sea played a role. Electricity, a railway, an oceanographic research laboratory, luxurious aristocratic buildings, and even a casino appeared here.
Gradually, the sailors' harbor turned into a modern resort city with a population of more than 33 thousand people, rich in historical heritage and coast, illuminated by lighthouses at night.
Palacio de Conde de Castro Guimaraes
The described city is a popular resort and tourist center. The most interesting places in Cascais are located in its historical part. Here the spectacular Guimaraes Palace is open for visitors, where in 1931 the famous museum-library was organized.
Built in the 15th century, it served as the suburban residence of the Duke of Bragança. No wonder the kings of Portugal chose this place: it is located close to the capital, it is not only beautiful landscape, but comfort and tranquility.
Gradually, the palace was abandoned, and in 1910 sold to the connoisseur of art - Count Castro, and after his death passed into the possession of the state. It houses a grandiose collection of 25 thousand books, some of which are over 5 centuries old.
A true rarity is the illustrated edition of Duarte Galveo (1455-1517). But in addition, porcelain, silverware collections, handcrafted antique furniture, an ancient organ, paintings and sculptures, archaeological finds of the 19th century from local underground caves are on display here. In the garden there is a small zoo with tame peacocks and a variety of birds.
Fort of Mother of God da Luz
The Citadel (Cidadela de Cascais) Cascais, built in 1488 by order of King Joao II, was a small fortress that was destroyed 100 years after the attack by the Spaniards. The result of the military conflict was the unification of the two countries and the proclamation of the Spanish monarch Philip II as king of Portugal. Taking the reins in his hands, he decided to restore the ruined fortress with some stylistic changes of the Renaissance.
Today, the citadel also remains the summer residence for the president of Portugal. Its open-air garden houses the Artillery Museum, which any tourist can freely visit.
Church of the Assumption
The unique appearance of the coast is created by snow-white houses with carved balconies and churches of the 16th century. Among the architectural attractions of Portugal in Cascais, the painted church of the Assumption of the Virgin (Igreia da Assuncao), located in the heart of the city, is especially notable.
It is known from history that it was erected in 1671 on the site of an old chapel and survived during the devastating earthquake of 1755. The facade, divided in the corners of the building by pilasters that support the bell tower, looks rather modest. And from the vastness and beauty of the interior decoration is breathtaking. Here you can see carved altars decorated with gilding, colorful panels depicting the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Peter, scenes from the Last Judgment and the Ascension of Jesus. Of particular note is the rare work of Pedro Alexandrino, The Last Supper, performed in the 18th century. And in the center of the painted ceiling is the painting "Assumption of the Virgin Mary."
Maritime Museum
The Maritime Museum also belongs to the sights of Cascais, whose expositions will tell about the history of the city, local fishing traditions, various expeditions of sailors. Everything connected with the sea element, from small mollusks to the wreckage of sunken ships, can be seen here. A rich collection of representatives of the underwater fauna is curious.
It is believed that the foundation of the museum was facilitated by an impressive collection belonging to the Portuguese king Carlos I, who was seriously carried away by the oceanology that had just appeared at that time. A significant part of the exhibits comes from personal royal stocks.
A visit to the museum will be a pleasant pastime for tourists of any age, and everyone will certainly find for themselves something interesting and memorable.
Santa Marta Lighthouse
In the city center, near the main beach, there is a 20-meter attraction of Cascais in Portugal - a white and blue lighthouse (Santa Marta Lighthouse Museum). Inside is a small museum dedicated to the 500-year history of Portugal's lighthouses, their significance in the life of the maritime state. A nice bonus is free admission. From the observation deck there is a wonderful view, so the "live" colorful photos are guaranteed.
As before, today the lighthouse is used for its intended purpose, to support navigation. It is equipped with a powerful red radiation source and fog lamp in case of poor visibility in the fog.
Cape of Doom
Arriving on the Atlantic coast, you just need to take a chance and see the most extreme point of the continent - the famous Cape of Rock. The natural landmark of Portugal is located in Cascais, in the picturesque Sintra Cascais State Park.
On a deserted cliff, at an altitude of 140 m above the ocean, there is an observation deck that will open your eyes to an endless horizon, where the azure sky merges with the boundless waters of the ocean. Spellbound looking into the distance, you realize how small a man is in front of the raging power of the water element.
There is a lighthouse on the cliff, a stele with the inscription "Cabo Da Roca", a cafe and a small souvenir shop where you can get a personalized certificate, as evidence of your stay at the end of the world. Most of the tourists are here in the summer season, since the harsh winter weather discourages most guests. Only a strong wind, a raging ocean and stunning views remain unchanged year round.
Devil's mouth
Cascais has an abundance of outlandish natural places. So, not far from the city on the rocky coast is a miracle created by nature, calmly resembling a stone well. The cave with creepy outlines Boca do Inferno is surrounded by ancient legends, mysticism and riddles. It also has the names "Mouth of the Underworld", "Gates of Hell", "Devil's Maw". Their origin can be understood only by being nearby and looking at the underwater cliffs of the grotto. Raging waves, breaking on the rocks, throw foamy spray high up and make terrifying rattling sounds.
The mouth of the devil is a place with a special energy, creating a striking contrast: the rumbling noise and indescribable beauty surrounding the landscape. Such interesting places and attractions of Cascais attract crowds of tourists from all over the world.
Cascais beaches
In addition to the historical sights of Portugal, the beaches of Cascais, almost continuously stretching along the entire coast, are also of great interest among tourists.
Guincho Beach (Guinho) - a huge wide beach with big waves, popular with extreme lovers. Mecca of surfing and yachting. It is here that you can see in all its beauty the power and magnificence of the Atlantic.
Ribeira Beach (Ribeira) - a compact beach in the city center. It is suitable for lovers of a relaxing holiday. This is a small quiet bay where you can soak up the sand in a relaxed atmosphere.
Central beaches are usually crowded, but it’s worth a walk to the outskirts, and at your feet there is a natural, picturesque beauty. Praia da Rainha is a small beautiful bay with cool water surrounded by cliffs. Paradise place. Here you can retire from the noisy crowd and be alone with yourself, enjoying a gorgeous picturesque view. Just above the beach there is an observation deck, which is definitely worth a look.
Most of the beaches here are fully equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable stay in Cascais. The beaches of Portugal will give you an unforgettable experience, and the hotels, restaurants, bars and discos located in the coastal zone will make your vacation diverse and exciting.
Interesting Facts
In the end, we suggest you recall some of the following facts:
- In 1755, the town suffered an earthquake that destroyed almost everything. Only by a miracle one building survived - the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin.
- During the French occupation, the headquarters of General Jean Junot was located in the city, who, after the capture of Lisbon, received the ducal victory title.
- In the period 1870-1908. the city in Portugal, Cascais is a favorite vacation spot of Portuguese kings.
- The year 1878 was marked by a significant leap in development; electricity was supplied to the city.
- In 1896, the first oceanographic laboratory on the Atlantic coast was founded by King Carlos I in the citadel of the city.
The city is quite small, and you can get around on foot, without any transport, the sights of Cascais. There will also be no problems with food - numerous cafes and restaurants will be happy to offer you to try local dishes or seafood specialties.
Estoril Casino
The sights of Cascais (Portugal) include the colorful casino Estoril, as these two towns are connected by an extended promenade. Portuguese Las Vegas is famous all over the world for scenes from the James Bond movie that was shot here. Every day here you can try your luck at the game table, listen to live music concerts, visit the restaurant and taste the best dishes of Portuguese cuisine. You should be aware that if you have a passport, any adult tourist can get into the casino, most importantly, do not forget about the dress code.
Tourists reviews
All travelers who once visited Cascais agree that this is definitely the place to stay where you want to return. According to tourists, they are attracted here by interesting places, tourist attractions, the gentle sun and the raging Atlantic Ocean. They claim that the Portuguese Riviera resort gave them unforgettable emotions and impressions, a beautiful tan and pleasant memories.