Museu Condes de Castro Guimaraes

NileGuide Expert tip:

Look out for the rare 16th-century manuscript depicting pre-earthquake Lisbon.

Description:

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  A much-loved Cascais landmark, this quirky early 19th-century mansion with its pale mustard cloisters and exaggerated brick stone castle turret is set within the grounds of the Parque Marechel Carmona harbour. The building actually sits in the sand! This was once the home of Irish nobleman Jorge O'Neill (there's a pub named after him in the town centre) but was later owned by the Count of Castro Guimarães. The Count's penchant for decorative arts saw the property fill with 17th-century Indo-Portuguese furniture, Oriental silk tapestries and beautiful azulejos (tiles). Half-hourly guided tours of this lavish abode also take in rare 18th-century books and porcelain.
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