Invited to the Palace?

A Tour of the Palácio da Cidadela de Cascais

During our latest adventure in Cascais, we finally stepped inside the magnificent Palácio da Cidadela de Cascais, one of Portugal's most elegant royal residences. Well... I may have told everyone on YouTube that we had been personally invited to the palace. Sadly, the invitation never quite made it through the post, but it certainly made for a good story!

In reality, the palace is open to visitors, giving you the chance to wander through room after room of beautifully restored interiors that offer a fascinating glimpse into Portugal's royal history. From the moment you step inside, you're surrounded by grand staircases, ornate ceilings, impressive chandeliers and lavishly decorated rooms that transport you back to a very different era.

Every room seemed to reveal another surprise, whether it was intricate furniture, detailed artwork or beautifully preserved architectural features. The restoration has been carried out with incredible care, allowing visitors to appreciate both the history and craftsmanship of this remarkable building.

As an artist, I couldn't help but admire the colours, textures and decorative details throughout the palace. Every room seemed worthy of a painting, while the natural light pouring through the windows created wonderful photographic opportunities. It's easy to see why this palace remains one of Cascais' hidden gems.

https://youtu.be/sXRTp6dJcho?si=OGTnwS856sX5DAde

After exploring the royal apartments, we discovered another unexpected highlight. Housed within the palace was an exhibition by photographer Tony Russell, showcasing a stunning collection of images that provided a completely different artistic experience. The contrast between the centuries-old palace interiors and Russell's contemporary photography worked brilliantly, adding another layer to our visit.

His photographs encouraged visitors to slow down and appreciate the beauty found in everyday moments, making the exhibition a perfect complement to the historic surroundings. It was a reminder that great art can be found in every era, whether hanging on palace walls or captured through the lens of a modern photographer.

The Palácio da Cidadela de Cascais is much more than an historic building. It combines royal history, impressive architecture and contemporary art into one memorable experience, making it well worth adding to any visit to Cascais.

As for my claim that we'd been invited by royalty... let's just say nobody asked us to leave, so perhaps they believed it too!

If you're planning a trip to Cascais, don't just admire the palace from the outside. Step inside, explore its magnificent interiors, enjoy the exhibitions and experience one of Portugal's most fascinating historic buildings for yourself.

Just don't be surprised if you see someone wandering around pretending they're the guest of honour!