Cascais Citadel Palace Museum

The Cascais Citadel Palace Museum is a former military fortress near the harbor with restored rooms and exhibition spaces within stone walls. Visitors move through multiple levels containing different chambers that retain their original structures.

The fortress was built in the 15th century as coastal defense and was converted in 1870 into a royal palace under King Luis I. This transformation reflects the shift from military use to royal residence.

The museum displays collections about Portuguese maritime history and regularly features works by local artists. The exhibitions show how people here once observed the sea and nature in their daily lives.

The museum is within walking distance from Cascais town center and is open most days except Monday. Guided tours in different languages lead visitors through the historical rooms.

King Carlos I established Portugal's first marine biology laboratory inside the Citadel and helped develop the nation's oceanographic research. This laboratory made the site an important place for studying the Atlantic Ocean.

Location: Cascais e Estoril

Part of: Palácio da Cidadela e Capela de Nossa Senhora da Vitória

Website: https://museu.presidencia.pt/pt/conhecer/palacio-da-cidadela-de-cascais

GPS coordinates: 38.69410,-9.41907

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:42