Cascais History
This picturesque town started as a small fishing port throughout early history as it lies protected
from nature’s elements at the mouth of the Rio Tejo. It was occupied by the
Spanish under the Duke of Alba in 1579. In 1807, the French invaders commanded
by General Junot used the Palácio da Citadela as their suitable headquarters for
his army. During the first part of the 19th Century the port trade declined
bringing poverty to the town. When in 1870 the King, Luís I, chose to convert
the 17th Century building of the Citadela into his summer residence Cascais soon
became a very fashionable town and aristocratic palaces and mansions followed.
In 1926 the railway line from Lisbon to Cascais was the first to be electrified
in Portugal and this also had a positive economic effect. During the 2nd World
War several Kings and Heads of European countries sought refuge in Cascais and
nearby Estoril. With these people came other aristocrats, politicians, actors
and writers - so many that the population increased by over 20,000 people
between 1939 to 1946. Names of important exiles such as Duke of Windsor, King
Umberto of Italy, Princess Joana of Italy, King Carol II of Romania, Prince Juan
of Spain, Count Henri of France, part of the Hapsburg family, Regent Horthy of
Hungary, all can be associated with the history of both this town and that of
neighbouring Estoril.
Cascais Description
Today it is the dormitory of the Lisbon international working community and the
"younger set" who enjoy the diverse and sophisticated the nightlife.
One of the most outstanding palaces is the Palácio de Conde de Castro Guimarães
that is open to the public and exhibits its own grand private collection that
includes over 25.000 books and such rarities as an illustrated book by Duarte
Galvão(1455-1517). Also, most of the pre-historic finds from the Grutas de
Alapraia are stored here. These were a series of underground caves only
discovered in the late 19th Century. The Grutus do Poço Velho are located in the
centre of the town and date back to the Neolithic period. On a much more modest
scale is the Museu do Mar that depicts the story of Cascais and its fishing
history. Just outside the town is the famous Boca do Inferno in which the sea on
rougher days hammers into the rock and creates a booming noise and a spectacular
spray thus creating its name which in English means "mouth of hell". Today,
Cascais now boasts a smart new Marina with lovely yachts adding a further
attraction to the town. The Praça de Touros built 1873 and is an imposing area
in which regular bullfights can be seen. The Parque Palmela is an attractive
park created by the Duques de Palmela and now maintained by the Town Hall and in
which open-air concerts are often held.
Cascais Nearby Locations
Within easy reach of Cascais is the famous beach at Guincho with its high waves
that attract windsurfers from all around the world as having some of the best
rollers in Europe. The next town to the east of Cascais is the resort town of
Estoril with its popular Casino. To the north and within easy reach is the
romantic and fascinating town of Sintra and which was made famous too foreigners
after a glowing account of its splendours recorded by Lord Byron
Cascais Map (Click Here)
Cascais Weather
Cascais Information
112 - SOS
800 296 296 - Support to Tourists
214 825 000 - Town Hall
214 828 400 - Fire Brigade
214 830 220 - Police
214 827 700 - Hospital
214 828 400 - Emergency Treatment
214 868 204 - Tourist Office
Cascais Locations of Interest
Boca do Inferno
Garden - Jardim do Museu de Conde de Castro Guimarães
Archaeological Site - Villa Romana do Alto da Cidreira
Archaeological Site - Villa Romana de Freira
Cabo da Roca - (Guincho)
Guia Lighthouse - (Guia)
Quinta Real de Caxias
Roman Site - Cascais Velhos (Areia)
Cascais Events
Fiesta de Santo António - 13th June
Town Holiday - 13th June
Festas de Mar - 26th July to 11th August
Procissão de Nossa Senhora dos Navegantes - 15th August
Cascais Beaches
Praia de Cascais
Praia da Crismina
Praia Grande do Guincho
Praia Moitas
Praia Poça e Duna
Praia de Tamariz
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