Where is Cascais?
Cascais is a charming oceanfront resort town, a bustling seaport, and a municipality located within the district of Lisbon. Cascais is home to over 33,000 residents. Its proximity to the sea has made it a significant and busy port since the 14th century when ships would stop here on their way to Lisbon. The distance from Cascais to the capital of Portugal is 25 kilometers.
Rich in historical heritage, Cascais boasts monuments, citadels, chapels, magnificent parks, museums, and a breathtaking coastline illuminated by ancient lighthouses each night. It was in Cascais that Portugal's first city with electricity was established.
The history of this resort town is steeped in fascinating legends, fairy tales, and even spine-chilling stories, many of which have been brought to life through the visual artistry of British artist Paula Rego, of Portuguese descent. Born in Lisbon, Paula Rego has depicted Portugal's legends, blending feminine beauty with the dark side of villains and pirates.
The city also holds a legend about a foot soldier and fisherman from Cascais, João Vaz Cortirial, who is said to have discovered the New World a decade before Columbus. He is known to have sailed west of the Azores several decades before the famous explorer and landed on what was later called the New Land of Cod.
Yet, Cascais is not merely a place of legends; it has long been a favored resort of Portugal's kings, counts, and nobles.
History of Cascais: Significant Events and Interesting Facts
Archaeological research indicates that ancient tribes inhabited Cascais during the Paleolithic era, approximately 5,000 years ago. Evidence of settlements has been discovered in Talaíde and the natural caves of Poço Velho, along with traces of Roman and Moorish heritage.
In the 12th century, this fishing town was conquered by the Portuguese. The name "Cascais" is derived from the "mountains of sea clam shells" that lined the coastline. The earliest mention of this fishing town dates back to the 12th century, and by the 13th century, Cascais was supplying fish and seafood to Lisbon. Cascais gained its independence from Sintra in 1364, which is considered its founding year. For several centuries, the town's livelihood depended on fishing and agriculture.
The accessibility of the port eventually led to the construction of a fortress to protect the capital of the empire from sea threats. However, this did not deter the Spanish Duke of Alba, who captured Cascais in 1580. The Cascais citadel was subsequently rebuilt with distinctive Renaissance features, but much of the town's structures were destroyed by the 1755 earthquake.
During the Napoleonic invasion of Portugal, Cascais fell under French occupation, leading to a period of stagnation. It wasn't until the Portuguese kings selected Cascais as their summer residence that the town's fortunes began to change.
With the introduction of electricity in 1878, Cascais transformed into a vibrant resort town. It became home to a casino, an oceanographic laboratory, luxurious aristocratic mansions, sports fields, and later, a railroad. Notably, during World War II, Cascais served as a refuge for the royal families of Spain, Italy, and Bulgaria. Today, Cascais has evolved into a modern, cosmopolitan, and fashionable resort.
