Cascais

The earlier history of Cascais reveals it to be a small fishing port. Spanish under the duke of Alba ruled this place in1579. And French invaders commanded the city in 1807. During the early 19th century, the city became poverty stricken because of the decline in port trade. In 1870, the king Luis-I used the 17th century building of Citadela as his residence. And in no time, Cascais became a fashionable town which witnessed aristocratic palaces and mansions.

The advent of electrified railway tracks from Lisbon to Cascais in 1926 brought yet another transformation in the city in terms of accommodation Cascais, commerce and attractions. The Second World War compelled many of kings and heads of European countries to take shelter in Cascais. With the arrivals of these expatriates the city became a hub of famous aristocrats, politicians, actors and writers in subsequent years.

Today, Cascais is the center of Lisbon international working community. It is where you get the diverse and sophisticated nightlife. When talking of attractions, palaces and monuments are the principle ones. One of the finest palaces is the Palácio de Conde de Castro Guimarães where public can visit and see the private exhibition, which include more than 25,000 books that are rarest. You would also see most of the pre-historic findings. A series of underground caves discovered in late 19th century.

One of the attractions of Neolithic period, the Grutus do Poço Velho is also an interesting thing which is located in the center of the city. At Museu do Mar, you would find the story of Cascais and its fishing history. If you move a little out of the town, Boca do Inferno is a famous spot to be at. A smart new marina with lovely yachts further adds to the charm of the city. You have Praça de Touros built in 1873 where you can see regular bullfights. An attractive park, the Parque Palmela is also nice spot to be at.