Audio GuideMuseu Condes de Castro Guimarães

The Condes de Castro Guimarães Museum stands proudly in the heart of Cascais, Portugal. This beautiful Revivalist-style building was constructed around nineteen hundred and eight and opened as a museum in nineteen thirty-one. It was initially commissioned by Jorge O’Neill and later owned by Manuel Inácio de Castro Guimarães, who donated it to the town to share its treasures with the public.

Denisa Grecu

As you step through the grand entrance, you will notice the medieval-style São Sebastião Tower and a stunning stone spiral staircase. The mansion is enveloped by lush English-style gardens, providing a peaceful sanctuary. Inside, the museum boasts an impressive collection of paintings, seventeenth-century silverware, oriental porcelain, and a vast library with over twenty-five thousand books.

Zennyfer Nayve

The cloister, inspired by the Jerónimos Monastery, is adorned with intricate tiles and ceramic ornaments. In the Sala dos Trevos, you can admire the trefoil ceiling that pays homage to the owner’s Irish heritage and join in on St. Patrick's Day celebrations. The Sala de Música features patterned tiles and a French-style organ, inviting you to imagine the music that once filled the room. The Galeria showcases paintings and sculptures from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, reflecting various art movements.

Be sure not to miss the unique Torreão or the Sala de Armas, where displays of armoury narrate stories of the past. The museum also shares the personal story of the Conde de Castro Guimarães and his family, highlighting the societal norms of their era.

With its romantic architecture and rich collections, the Condes de Castro Guimarães Museum is a cultural jewel in Cascais, offering visitors a glimpse into history and art in an enchanting setting.