Forts
Cidadela de Cascais
Cidadela de Cascais has no straight translation to English, but it would mean something like the “Little Town of Cascais”. It keeps memories from different important times of Portuguese history and wandering around its buildings (as Nossa Senhora da Luz Stronghold, Santo António’s Town, Salmodo’s Door and the Cascais Naval Club) is like reading an open book and learn about the time Cascais was under the desire and envy of enemy kingdoms.
Yes, Cidadela de Cascais was first built to protect Cascais form invasions that came through the sea. So, on 15th century it was built the Santo António’s Tower – also known as the Tower of Cascais – to watch and defend the village. Through all the kingdom of D. Henrique this tower was always ready to the fight: with soldiers, guns artillery and so on.
Later, when Filipe, the first, became a king, it was rebuilt all the area, which became possible the construction of Fortaleza de Nossa Senhora da Luz (Saint Senhora da Luz Stronghold), also known as simply Fortaleza da Luz (Light Stonghold). The tower is surrounded by three bastions. Its colour is ochre because it was easier to confuse it with the coast line. After the great earthquake in 1755, the tower was rebuilt and some changes were made, with a new shorter tower and a wall around the entire stronghold. Some changes were also made on the windows and vaults.
The place has a central park and four buildings: Santa Catarina or Royal Palace, São Pedro, Santo António and São Luís where used to be the Soldiers’ Hospital. There is also a cistern which is not used anymore.
Only in the 19th century Fortaleza da Luz left its military function, thanks to the king D. Luís, who adapted the old senator’s home into a summer’s holidays house. This inspired other governments. Nowadays, although Portugal is no longer ruled by kings, the President of Portugal stills using the Palace in Cidadela de Cascais to spend the summer time.
For those who love sailing, the Cascais Naval Club is the perfect place to visit in Cidadela de Cascais. It was founded in 1940 and it is one of the most important nautical clubs in Portugal. Ten years after its foundation it was built the sailing school where some of the most important sailors have learned their techniques. Some of the students of the school have reached the Olympic teams!
Since the light first came to Cidadela de Cascais in 1878 – with the first electric street illumination experience in Portugal! – it never stopped shining. Whatever you like walking, practice sailing or just watching the sea, this is the perfect place to enjoy nature and history.