Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Lisboa > Cascais > Cascais > Gandarinha
The Santa Maria House Museum is located in the Gandarinha area, in Cascais, in a privileged location next to Santa Marta Bay. From here, one's gaze can reach sweeping views over Cascais Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, harmoniously blending into the local coastal landscape.
Designed in 1902 by Raul Lino, Casa de Santa Maria is a remarkable example of his architectural style, characterized by the fusion of influences. This pioneering project by the architect sought to highlight the beauty of Portuguese materials, resulting in a construction with harmonious lines. Here, one can observe traces of Portuguese and Mediterranean revivalism, with details reminiscent of Moorish architecture, such as its horseshoe arches and distinctive tiles. Its internal organization, a succession of compartments extending lengthwise, reflects careful planning and a unique aesthetic.
For about a century, Casa de Santa Maria was a private residence, originally commissioned by Jorge O’Neill, a distinguished aristocrat and financier. Over the decades, the house hosted several prominent families, including the Espírito Santo family, who welcomed numerous illustrious personalities here. Figures such as Grand Duchess Charlotte of Luxembourg, the Counts of Barcelona, King Umberto II of Italy, and the Dukes of Windsor frequented this space. Acquired by the municipality of Cascais in 2004, the house was classified as a Monument of Public Interest in 2012, asserting itself today as part of the national heritage, open to the public.
The interior of the Santa Maria House Museum reveals remarkable decorative richness. Notable are the vast sets of tiles, many of them dating from the 17th century, with figurative and patterned motifs encompassing rural and religious iconography, originating from various sources such as old chapels and convents. Also noteworthy is the oil-painted wooden ceiling, a work attributed to António de Oliveira Bernardes, which adorns the dining room. Tile panels such as "The Legend of Cascais," by Jorge Colaço, and the stained-glass windows by Ricardo Leone contribute to the unique beauty of the space. The house preserves a valuable artistic collection, representative of Portuguese Baroque.
Casa de Santa Maria is embraced by gardens designed in the Mediterranean style, where palm trees, cypresses, and other regional plant species create a serene and inviting atmosphere. These outdoor spaces offer not only a pleasant natural setting but also the opportunity to enjoy stunning views of the coastline and the vast ocean. The combination of the house's architecture with the verdant landscape and the proximity to the sea provides an immersive and tranquil visiting experience.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.6911756,-9.4214114
Coordinates DMS: 38°41'28.2"N 09°25'17.1"W
Weather Cascais
On-duty Pharmacy Cascais
