The collection includes the 'Crónica de D. Afonso Henriques', a rare 16th-century manuscript illuminated by António de Holanda.
The mansion was originally owned by Jorge O'Neill, an Irish-descended aristocrat who commissioned the initial project.
The library holds approximately 25,000 volumes, including rare editions and unique historical records.
The architecture features a distinct Moorish-style music room with intricate tile work and plasterwork.
The onsite chapel preserves an important collection of religious art, reflecting the private devotional life of the former residents.
The property transitioned from a private residence to a public museum following the death of the Count in 1927 and the subsequent municipal acquisition.
The Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães is a distinctive Revivalist mansion situated directly on the coastline of Cascais. Originally constructed in 1900 as the summer residence Torre de S. Sebastião, it was bequeathed to the municipality by the Count of Castro Guimarães. The interior houses an extensive collection of fine and decorative arts spanning the 16th to 20th centuries. Notable highlights include Indo-Portuguese furniture, personal collections of the count, and rare manuscripts like the Chronicle of King Afonso Henriques. The building architecture incorporates neo-Gothic and Manueline influences, reflecting the eclectic taste of the Portuguese aristocracy at the turn of the century. Its seaside location makes it a unique example of late 19th-century residential architecture in Portugal. The museum functions as part of the Bairro dos Museus cultural cluster in Cascais.
The mansion's exterior facade as viewed from the pathways of Marechal Carmona Park, capturing the building against the sea.
Walk through the surrounding Marechal Carmona Park immediately after your museum visit for a complete experience.
Focus on the library and the music room, as these sections contain the most significant historical artifacts.
Look for the unique view of the Atlantic Ocean from the mansion's terrace windows.
Do not mistake the nearby Santa Marta Lighthouse Museum for the main mansion collection; they are separate entities.
Closed on Mondays.
Photography without flash is generally permitted; maintain a quiet tone and do not touch the delicate historic furniture or artifacts.
