Cascais history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Cascais dates back to ancient times, as evidenced by archaeological finds from the Palaeolithic era. However, it began to take shape as a permanent settlement in the 12th century as a small fishing village. At that time, these lands were under the administration of neighbouring Sintra, and the main task of the local inhabitants was supplying fish to Lisbon. A crucial date in the city's history is 1364, when King Pedro I granted Cascais the status of a "Vila" (town), giving it administrative independence.

Key Factors of Development

The development of Cascais was defined by several key factors. Firstly, its strategic geographical location at the mouth of the Tagus River made it an important defensive post on the approaches to Lisbon. Starting from the 15th century, fortifications were actively built here to protect against pirates and hostile fleets. Secondly, trade and navigation played a key role in the economy, especially during the Age of Discoveries. Thirdly, the decisive impetus for development was political will: in 1870, King Luís I chose Cascais for his summer residence. This attracted the Portuguese aristocracy, transforming the town into a fashionable resort.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Initially, the economy of Cascais was built entirely on fishing and agriculture — olives and grapes were grown in the surrounding areas. With the acquisition of its status as a defensive outpost, the town began to gain military significance. Radical changes occurred in the late 19th century when Cascais became a "Royal Resort". This new status led to rapid infrastructure development: a railway was laid from the capital (1889), electricity was installed (1878) — a first in Portugal, and the coast was built up with luxurious villas and palaces. Thus, a humble fishing settlement turned into one of the most prestigious and cosmopolitan centres of the country.

Chronology of Key Events

• 1364 — King Pedro I grants the settlement the status of a town (Vila), freeing it from administrative subordination to Sintra.
• 1488 — By order of King João II, the construction of a defensive tower begins, which became the foundation of the future city Citadel.
• 1580 — Spanish troops under the command of the Duke of Alba land on the coast, leading to the beginning of 60 years of Spanish rule.
• 1755 — The Great Lisbon Earthquake destroys a significant part of residential buildings and damages the fortress walls.
• 1807 — During the Napoleonic Wars, the Citadel is occupied by the French troops of General Junot.
• 1870 — King Luís I chooses Cascais as his official summer residence, turning it into a fashionable aristocratic resort.
• 1878 — In honour of the King's birthday, electric lighting is lit in the Citadel for the first time in the country.
• 1889 — The opening of the railway line connecting the town with Lisbon gives a powerful boost to tourism development.
• 1896 — King-oceanographer Carlos I equips the first Portuguese marine biology laboratory within the fortress.
• 1926 — Completion of the railway electrification makes the journey to the capital fast and comfortable.
• 1940s — During the Second World War, the city and its surroundings become a haven for European monarchs and refugees seeking safety in neutral Portugal.
• 1999 — The opening of the modern Marina (yacht harbour) strengthens the city's status as a centre for international sailing sports.
• 2009 — Grand opening of the "House of Stories Paula Rego" museum, designed by architect Eduardo Souto de Moura.
• 2014 — Completion of the large-scale revitalization of the Citadel, which was transformed into an open art space and cultural centre.

The development of Cascais from a small fishing community to one of the most prestigious European resorts passed through several fundamental stages. Each of these milestones radically changed the economic structure, architectural appearance, and cultural significance of the city.

• Transformation into a Strategic Outpost (15th–17th Centuries)
  The construction of the powerful Citadel and a chain of coastal fortresses to protect the mouth of the Tagus River changed the urban structure. From an open settlement, the town turned into a fortified military hub, which ensured safety and attracted a permanent population serving the garrison.
• Status of Royal Residence (1870)
  King Luís I's decision to spend the summer in Cascais became the main economic driver of the 19th century. This event launched a wave of construction of luxurious chalets and palaces for the aristocracy, forever changing the architectural landscape and reorienting the economy from fishing to elite leisure.
• Infrastructure Revolution (Late 19th Century)
  The appearance of electric lighting (the first in the country) and the opening of the railway line linking the resort with the capital ensured rapid urbanisation. The railway made the city accessible not only to the nobility but also to wealthy residents of Lisbon, expanding the tourism market.
• Era of the "Coast of Kings" (Mid-20th Century)
  During a period of European turmoil, neutral Portugal became a refuge for monarchs and the political elite in exile. The concentration of noble families in Cascais and Estoril created a unique cosmopolitan atmosphere, securing the region's fame as the "Portuguese Riviera" and attracting international capital.
• Opening of the Modern Marina (Late 20th Century)
  The construction of a large harbour for yachts and the improvement of motorways (A5) integrated the city into the global network of maritime tourism. This allowed for hosting prestigious sailing regattas and attracting a new segment of affluent travellers.
• Creation of the Museum Quarter (21st Century)
  A large-scale programme for the revitalization of the historic centre and the transformation of the Citadel into an art space shifted the focus to cultural tourism. This decision allowed the city to overcome seasonality and attract guests all year round thanks to exhibitions and festivals.

The architectural appearance of Cascais is a fascinating journey through the centuries, reflecting its transformation from a humble fishing village into an aristocratic resort and a modern tourist hub. Its urban development harmoniously combines military fortifications, luxurious palaces, and avant-garde structures.

Middle Ages and Renaissance: Military Architecture

The foundation of early Cascais urban planning was its defensive function. The key structure of this era is the Citadel (Cidadela de Cascais), a complex of fortifications that began construction in the 15th-16th centuries to protect the coast and the approaches to Lisbon. Originally a medieval fortress, later, during the reign of Philip I, it was rebuilt and acquired the characteristic features of Renaissance military architecture with powerful bastions. These austere and functional buildings defined the strategic importance of the city for many years.

19th Century: The Rise of "Summer Architecture"

The most vivid mark on the architecture of Cascais was left by the 19th century, when the city became the summer residence of the Portuguese Royal Family. This attracted the nobility, who began to build luxurious villas and palaces here in a style known as "arquitetura de veraneio" (summer architecture). This trend is characterised by eclecticism — a mix of various styles:

• Neo-Gothic and Neo-Manueline: The brightest example is the Condes de Castro Guimarães Museum Palace. Built in 1902, it combines elements of Gothic, Arab architecture, and traditional Portuguese motifs, creating a fairytale and romantic image.
• Traditional Portuguese Style: Many buildings, including the ancient church Igreja da Assunção (Church of the Assumption), are decorated with the famous painted tiles known as azulejos, which miraculously survived the earthquake of 1755.
• Chalets and Villas: The seafront and old streets still preserve the charm of these elegant buildings with graceful balconies and decorative elements, reflecting the wealth and taste of their former owners.

20th-21st Centuries: Modernism and Modernity

In the 20th century, examples of modernist and contemporary architecture appeared in Cascais, which do not disrupt but rather complement the historical landscape. Today, many ancient buildings are united in the so-called "Museum Quarter".

A landmark object of modern architecture is the "House of Stories Paula Rego" (Casa das Histórias Paula Rego) — a museum designed by Pritzker Prize winner Eduardo Souto de Moura. Its two pyramidal towers made of red concrete have become a new symbol of the city, demonstrating a bold contrast with the surrounding buildings. The Citadel itself was also transformed into a modern art cluster with a hotel and exhibition spaces, which is an excellent example of the revitalization of historical heritage.

Distinguished Personalities in the History of Cascais

Throughout its history, Cascais has attracted many extraordinary personalities — from monarchs and politicians to artists and writers. These people left a noticeable mark on the cultural and historical landscape of the city, turning it into a place with a rich heritage.

Luís I (1838–1889)

Role: King of Portugal.

Historical Significance: It was King Luís I who transformed Cascais from an ordinary fishing village into a prestigious resort. In 1870, he chose the town as his summer residence, which attracted the Portuguese aristocracy here. This step was a turning point in the history of Cascais, giving impetus to the construction of luxurious villas, the development of infrastructure, and the transformation of the city into the "Portuguese Riviera".

Paula Rego (1935–2022)

Role: Artist.

Historical Significance: One of the most influential Portuguese artists of the 20th and 21st centuries, closely linked to Cascais. Located here is the museum dedicated to her — the "House of Stories Paula Rego" (Casa das Histórias Paula Rego), designed by Pritzker Prize winner Eduardo Souto de Moura. In her works, she often addressed themes of Portuguese folklore and social commentary, and her museum has become one of the main cultural centres of the city.

Umberto II (1904–1983)

Role: The last King of Italy.

Historical Significance: After the abolition of the monarchy in Italy in 1946, Umberto II spent 37 years in exile, settling in a villa in Cascais. His presence, like the presence of other European monarchs, strengthened the region's reputation as the "Coast of Kings" and gave it a cosmopolitan and aristocratic flair in the mid-20th century.

Juan de Borbón, Count of Barcelona (1913–1993)

Role: Head of the Spanish Royal House, father of King Juan Carlos I.

Historical Significance: He lived in exile in neighbouring Estoril, but his family was closely integrated into the life of the entire coast, including Cascais. The future King of Spain, Juan Carlos I, spent part of his childhood here. The presence of the Spanish Royal Family in exile also contributed to the formation of the unique atmosphere of the region in the post-war years.

Aleister Crowley (1875–1947)

Role: Occultist, poet, and writer.

Historical Significance: He added a mystical page to the history of Cascais. In 1930, with the assistance of the Portuguese poet Fernando Pessoa, Crowley staged his own suicide at the cliffs of Boca do Inferno ("Hell's Mouth"). This hoax caused an international resonance and forever linked his name with one of the city's most famous natural landmarks.

Ian Fleming (1908–1964)

Role: Writer, creator of James Bond.

Historical Significance: During the Second World War, Fleming served in British Naval Intelligence and frequently visited the Lisbon Riviera coast, including Cascais and neighbouring Estoril. It is believed that the atmosphere of espionage that prevailed in local hotels and venues, where intelligence agents, diplomats, and aristocrats met, inspired him to create the character of Agent 007 and write the novel "Casino Royale".