Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães
A charming Revivalist palace showcasing eclectic art, artifacts, and furnishings, set within beautiful gardens.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Free admission!
Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães
Best Time
Free admission!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming Revivalist palace showcasing eclectic art, artifacts, and furnishings, set within beautiful gardens.
"V cheap to get in too, with lots of lovely tiles and valuable things like silver platters and paintings."
Bring Cash for Tickets
Credit cards are often not accepted. Ensure you have enough cash for your entry fee. :moneybag:
Check for Free Entry Days
The first Sunday of the month offers free admission, making it a great budget-friendly option. :gift:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Palace Interior
Inside the palace
Explore richly decorated rooms filled with antique furniture, paintings, and porcelain. A glimpse into a bygone era.
Azulejo Chapel
Palace grounds
Discover a small, ancient chapel adorned with traditional Portuguese azulejo tiles. A serene and historically rich spot.
Palace Gardens
Exterior grounds
Wander through a beautiful park with peacocks, ducks, and roosters. A peaceful escape, though fountains may be dry.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Cash is King Here
Garden Charm, Fountain Woes
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Cash for Tickets
Credit cards are often not accepted. Ensure you have enough cash for your entry fee. :moneybag:
Check for Free Entry Days
The first Sunday of the month offers free admission, making it a great budget-friendly option. :gift:
Explore the Gardens
Even if fountains are dry, the park is a lovely place to stroll and spot local wildlife. :duck:
Enjoy the Interior Furnishings
The museum is well-maintained and offers a fascinating look at historical artifacts and decor. :antique:
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Cash for Tickets
Credit cards are often not accepted. Ensure you have enough cash for your entry fee. :moneybag:
Check for Free Entry Days
The first Sunday of the month offers free admission, making it a great budget-friendly option. :gift:
Explore the Gardens
Even if fountains are dry, the park is a lovely place to stroll and spot local wildlife. :duck:
Enjoy the Interior Furnishings
The museum is well-maintained and offers a fascinating look at historical artifacts and decor. :antique:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães to be an interesting and affordable cultural experience, with a well-preserved interior showcasing historical artifacts and furnishings. However, the inability to pay with credit cards and the often dry fountains in the garden have been noted as drawbacks. +1
"Really interesting to building eith lits of lovely tiles almost round the interior walls. Fully furnished and lots of info to read. Many valuable things like silver platters and paintings. V cheap to get in too"
Debbie Gifford
"Unfortunately, we left the museum disappointed. We wanted to go inside, but we encountered an obstacle when trying to purchase tickets. They did not accept credit cards, so we could only pay with cash. The ticket for two people cost 10 euros, which I tried to pay with a 100 euro banknote. However, the cashier refused our 100 euro banknote without explanation, so we couldn't buy tickets. It's incomprehensible to us why 90 euros in change would be a problem for a museum.
We did check out the garden, which was free, but unfortunately, that was also a disappointment. None of the numerous fountains and pools contained water, which significantly detracted from the overall appearance and atmosphere.
Overall, our visit to the museum was an unpleasant experience. We hope others will have a more pleasant one!"
Marcell Bertalan
"The eclectic home of the Irishman Jorge O'Neill, inaugurated in 1900, overlooks the bay of Santa Marta in Cascais and offers a fascinating mix of styles. Furnishings, paintings and porcelain are displayed in the richly decorated rooms. Established as a museum almost a hundred years ago, the villa also has an ancient small chapel, with typical azulejos, and a beautiful park, used daily by children and adults, with play and relaxation areas. The park also has a pond and is populated by roosters, ducks and a beautiful peacock."
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What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Cascais, Portugal. It's easily accessible by public transport, including buses and trains that serve the Cascais area. Many visitors arrive on foot if staying in the town center.
While specific parking details can vary, Cascais generally has public parking options. It's advisable to check local parking availability or consider public transport to avoid hassle.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official museum website or local listings for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Admission is very affordable, typically around 5 euros per person. However, remember that payment is usually cash-only. +1
Unfortunately, credit cards are generally not accepted for ticket purchases. Visitors must pay with cash.
Yes, the museum offers free admission on the first Sunday of every month, making it a popular time to visit.
Some areas of the museum and its grounds may be accessible, but it's recommended to contact the museum directly for specific accessibility information.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find a collection of paintings, ancient artifacts, old books, and antique furnishings that showcase the eclectic taste of its former owner.
The garden is a pleasant space to walk around, featuring peacocks, ducks, and roosters. However, the fountains and pools are often not filled with water. +1
A visit typically takes about 1-2 hours, allowing time to explore the palace interior and the surrounding gardens.
Information on guided tours is not widely advertised, but the exhibits are well-labeled, providing ample information for self-guided exploration.
Photography policies can vary. It's advisable to check for signage or ask staff if photography is permitted inside the palace rooms.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities within the Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães itself. However, Cascais offers numerous cafes and restaurants nearby.
Typically, food and drinks are not allowed inside museum exhibits to preserve the artifacts. You can enjoy them in the park area or outside the museum.
📸 📸 Photography
The palace facade, the azulejo chapel, and the garden with its peacocks offer great photographic opportunities. The coastal views from the palace grounds are also stunning. 
Drone usage is generally restricted in public areas and historical sites. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone near the museum.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Eclectic History of the Palace
Established as a museum nearly a century ago, the villa has been preserved to offer visitors a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of its former inhabitants. The interior is richly decorated, showcasing the eclectic tastes of O'Neill, with furnishings, paintings, and porcelain carefully displayed in each room.
Despite its historical significance, one Reddit user noted concerns about the 'complete abandonment' of Cascais's architectural heritage, suggesting that more attention could be given to maintaining such valuable sites.
This highlights the ongoing need for preservation efforts for historical landmarks like this palace.Exploring the Palace Gardens
While the gardens offer a peaceful retreat, visitors should be aware that the numerous fountains and pools within the park are often not operational. This can diminish the visual appeal for some, as noted by a disappointed visitor.
The park also serves as a community space, with designated areas for play and relaxation. It's a great place to unwind after exploring the museum's interior, offering a different perspective on the estate's grandeur.
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