Estoril has all the facilities you
will need together with a natural beauty and individual architecture
blending with the surroundings. It is worth taking a stroll
along to Monte Estoril, where you will find many pretty buildings
on the way. In the park in front of the Casino, a colourful
scene pleases the eye, edged by tall, tropical palm trees.
Without losing any of its natural charm, Estoril has spread
and now offers many facilities for the visitor.
For additional information, please visit http://www.costa-do-estoril.pt
Cascais
This picturesque town with its pretty little
palaces overlooking the sea has been inhabited from the remotest
ages. From various interesting finds, it is known that Paleolithic
man lived there, and it is believed Eolithic people lived
in local caves 4000 years ago. There is also much evidence
from the Roman period, dating from 1 AD. Villas have been
excavated and inscriptions found of family names, names of
the Gods they worshipped and names chosen for their sons.
Also names from the time of the Arab occupation can be found.
lbne Mucane was born in Alcabideche and it was he who made
the first literary reference to the introduction of windmills
into Europe. He was an Arab poet and is remembered by a monument
situated near the windmills on the road out of the village
leading to the Autodrome.
Estoril
An internationally known resort, Estoril has
a natural beauty and individual architecture blending with
the surroundings. It is worth taking a stroll along to Monte
Estoril, where you will find many pretty buildings on the
way. In the park in front of the Casino, a colourful scene
pleases the eye, edged by tall, tropical palm trees. Without
losing any of its natural charm, Estoril has spread and now
offers many facilities for the visitor.
Surrounding Areas
The Estoril principal surroundings are Sintra,
Queluz, Mafra and Lisbon that can offer attractive visits.
SINTRA
The romantic town of Sintra, praised by Lord
Byron, is a must for those visiting the Estoril Coast.
Less than twenty kilometres away, this area is particularly
attractive for its lush vegetation and the original architecture
of the houses, mostly dating back to the XIX Century. In the
town, visit the Royal Palace, home of the Portuguese Kings
since the XIV century and the Museum with its collection of
archaeological exhibits. Away from the town, see the park
with trees hundreds of year’s hold, the XII century
Moorish Castle and the Pena Palace – a romantic gem
of the XIX century, designed by Baron de Eschwege.
QUELUZ
Between Sintra and Lisbon, Queluz is best
known for its Palace built in 1747 on the orders of King Pedro
III, husband of Queen Mary I, designed by Vicente de Oliveira
and the French architect Jean-Baptiste Robillon. It is one
of the best copies of the Versailles Palace. Of particular
note is the Throne Room, the Queen's dressing room, the music
room, the rich tapestries, Austrian porcelain and Chinese
screens, etc. The gardens are beautiful and the geometric
layout of the flowerbeds enhances the gracious neo-classic
collection of statues. Trains run from the Rossio Station
in Lisbon to Queluz.
MAFRA
To the north of Sintra, the town of Mafra
has a magnificently majestic Convent in neo-classic style.
Build by King João V in the first half of the XVIII
century; it represents the riches of Portugal from the wealth
of gold brought back from Brazil
OEIRAS
Is a beautiful city near the sea at Lisbon
Cascais way.
Mainly attractions are:
Caxias Royal Estate
The construction of the Quinta Real de Caxias was carefully
planned: the works began in the 18th century and were only
completed by the beginning of the 19th century. Situated by
the sea, there are dazzling gardens, inspired by those of
the Versailles Palace.
Gunpowder Factory of Barcarena
The Fábrica da Pólvora de Barcarena was in activity
between 1540 and 1940, having played an important role in
the life of the local population by creating jobs and promoting
the region’s and the country’s development through
the production of gunpowder.
Marquis of Pombal Palace
The former residence of Sebastião José de Carvalho
and Mello is a typical 18th-century manor house, created by
the Hungarian architect Carlos Mardel. Inside, the paintings
and decorated stucco ceilings are worth admiring. Nowadays,
the palace contains few original pieces.
Old Automobile Museum
The Museu do Automóvel Antigo is located at Paço
de Arcos; the best way to get there is by the Marginal Avenue
that follows the coastline and where it is signalised. Standing
by the sea, the museum shows the evolution of motorcars along
the 20th century.
Santo Amaro Chapel
Built by the brotherhood of Conceição (conception),
the royalty, especially king Manuel I, who was a devout of
St. Amaro, always, frequented this small temple. Reconstructed
in the 18th century, it presents a single nave, whose paintings
describe the life of the Virgin.
São Julião da Barra Fort
The Fort of St. Julian´s Strand began to be built in
the 16th century, during the reign of king John III, and it
was enlarged and remodelled over the ages, according to how
it was used. The fortress walls witnessed some of the most
important military conflicts in Portugal.
LISBON
One of the most important places for
the visitor is of course, Lisbon - capital of Portugal and
relatively close to Estoril. There is no room here to give
a detailed programme as each person has to choose their own
places to visit. However, we would suggest stopping at Belém,
just before you arrive in Lisbon and where you will find the
Jerónimos Monastery and the Tower of Belém,
both interesting monuments in the Manueline style. Nearby
are the Museums of Archaeology, Ethnography (housing one of
the most important ethnographic collections of the African
people), the Coach Museum with an interesting collection of
coaches from the XVIII century and the Museum of Popular Art
- representing art from all over Portugal. The Pombalin historic
centre from Praça do Comércio close to the Tagus
riverbank up to Rossio was totally rebuilt after the 1755
earthquake and its geometric configuration depicts the spirit
of iluminism.
On the eastside stands the St. George Castle built during
the Moorish period and several times fortified.
To visit this area you don't have to walk all way, you may
catch the no. 28 tramway, which passes by the Cathedral taking
you up to the Castle.
The view of Lisbon from there is unforgettable, the Tagus
estuary and the 25th of April Bridge with a length of 2.3km.
On your way back take the route that leads to the oldest district
of Lisbon, Alfama.
There a labyrinth of small narrow streets and steep stairs
will confront you. In the mornings you can visit the fish
market at the São Pedro Street.
Art lovers should not miss the Gulbenkian Museum. There are
many excursions from Estoril Coast to all these places mentioned.
Full information is available from the Tourist Board or the
reception of your hotel.
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