Casa de Santa Maria (House of Saint Mary), Cascais

The House of Saint Mary, once a lavish private residence, now stands as a captivating museum in Cascais. This historic mansion, acquired by the Cascais Municipality in October 2004, seamlessly blends various architectural styles and cultural influences, making it a fascinating destination for both art and history enthusiasts.

In the late 19th century, an aristocrat named Jorge O'Neil, known for his extensive business connections, acquired land near the Santa Marta area of Cascais. His visionary endeavors led to the creation of two significant landmarks in the region: the Condes de Castro Guimarães Museum and the Casa de Santa Maria. The latter was commissioned as a special wedding gift for his daughter and was built in 1902 under the skilled guidance of architect Raul Lino.

Raul Lino, who embarked on his architectural career in Cascais, received a unique directive for the Casa de Santa Maria: to design the house exclusively using materials sourced within Portugal. This distinct challenge led to a design heavily influenced by the Moorish architectural style, with horseshoe arches adorning the central rooms, serving as a testament to the enduring legacy of Moorish craftsmanship in Portugal.

Around 1914, the property changed hands and was acquired by engineer José Lino Júnior, the elder brother of Raul Lino. José Lino, an avid collector and art connoisseur, made notable additions to the house. From an old chapel in Frielas, he acquired a set of 17th-century Azulejo tiles and a wooden, oil-painted ceiling attributed to António de Oliveira Bernardes. The Casa de Santa Maria continued to evolve, gaining prominence as a gathering place for illustrious visitors, including royalty such as Charlotte, Grand Duchess of Luxembourg, King Umberto II of Italy, and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. Notably, former U.S. President Richard Nixon also graced this exquisite residence with his presence.

Today, the museum boasts a remarkable collection of tiles and paintings, predominantly hailing from the Portuguese Baroque period. The ground floor of the mansion is adorned with polychrome blue and yellow painted tiles originally from the Marvila Convent in Lisbon. Ascend to the first floor, and you'll discover the Chapel adorned with tiled narrative scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary, crafted in Talavera, Spain, during the late 16th century. The floral motifs on the ceiling are the artistic handiwork of Raul Lino himself. Adjacent to the chapel is the Great Hall, featuring a painted ceiling and walls lined with exquisite tiles. The basement adds a touch of avant-garde charm with painted tiles from around 1920, also designed by the talented architect.