Visit Castro Museum
Table of Contents
A visit to the Castro Museum in Cascais is essential for every traveler exploring this picturesque city. Its wealth of history creates a captivating ambience, making it a must-see destination, offering profound insights and admiration for the area’s diverse culture and legacy.
Tourist Information
The Castro Guimarães Museum, constructed in 1902 in Cascais, stands as a remarkable architectural gem, deeply intertwined with the rich tapestry of the city’s history and culture. Its eclectic design, blending Gothic, classical Portuguese, and Arabic styles, showcases a unique fusion of influences.
Within its walls, visitors are treated to a diverse array of artistic treasures, spanning from 17th-century Oriental masterpieces to distinctive Indo-Portuguese furnishings. Among the notable exhibits is a 16th-century illustrated manuscript chronicling the exploits of King Alfonso Henriques, offering a captivating glimpse into Lisbon’s earliest depiction.
The museum’s enchanting gardens, known as the Jardim Marshal Carmona, further enhance the visitor experience, providing a tranquil oasis to unwind and appreciate nature’s beauty after the tour. A leisurely stroll through these lush surroundings serves as the perfect conclusion to the museum visit, inviting guests to immerse themselves in serenity and charm.
In the vicinity of the museum, there are various restaurants and cafes offering a wide range of Portuguese cuisine. After an interesting and busy day of sightseeing, visitors can relax and enjoy a taste of the local cuisine in the cozy atmosphere of the restaurants nearby.
Interesting Facts
The Castro Museum in Cascais is not only a regular place to store art, but also a living part of Portugal’s history. The former bishop’s palace that houses the museum was built and modernized over the centuries, from the 12th century to the 18th century. The entire complex is steeped in rich history and cultural heritage, making it an integral part of the Portuguese cultural heritage.
The interior of the museum delights with its variety of art and artefacts. There are archaeological finds, Flemish and Portuguese paintings, ceramics, textiles and sculptures reflecting different eras and cultural influences.
One of the museum’s most impressive pieces is the terracotta sculpture group The Last Supper, created by Philip Hodart in the 16th century. This work of art, depicting Christ’s last supper with the apostles, fascinates with its realism.
Another unique work is the sculpture “The Burial of Christ” by Jean de Rouen, dating from the 16th century. Eight life-size images, including the image of Christ, create an impressive burial scene that captures the visitor’s attention with its depth and expressiveness.
Along the walls of the museum are also various artefacts reflecting different aspects of Portuguese life and culture throughout the centuries. This creates a unique atmosphere and allows visitors to get into the spirit of the past.
The surrounding gardens of Jardim Marshal Carmona add a special charm and beauty to the museum, creating the perfect atmosphere for relaxation and contemplation after the tour. A walk through the gardens allows visitors to enjoy the greenery and the unique atmosphere of tranquillity.
Overall, the Castro Museum is not just a place to view the exhibits, but an important cultural monument of Portugal, which allows a deeper understanding and appreciation of the richness and diversity of the history and art of this fascinating country.
Open Hours
The opening hours of the Museum Machado de Castro in Cascais are as follows: closed on Mondays, on Tuesday it opens only in the afternoon, from 2 pm to 6 pm, and on other days the museum is open from 10:00 to 18:00.
Tickets
The cost of an admission ticket is €6.
Address
Address: Av Rei Umberto II de Itália Parque Marecha Carmona, 2750-319 Cascais, Portugal
How to Get to Cabo da Roca
To get to the museum from Cascais, you can take a car, which takes about 2 and a half hours. You can also take public transportation, such as buses, which run every day and take about 7 hours.
