Oeiras: A Dynamic Borough

The Borough of Oeiras is located between Lisbon and Cascais and covers the area from Oeiras to Algés. For years this borough has had continued development and restoration of old sites and new facilities. It has a marina the Porto de Recreio de Oeiras. Oeiras was voted one of the best places to work and to live in.

Oeiras was the residence of Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo (1699-1782).  In 1759 he was awarded the title of Count of Oeiras and ten years later Marquês de Pombal.   Under King José I he was one of Portugal’s dynamic Prime Ministers. His home, the Palácio Marquês de Pombal, is an 18th century building used as council offices. It has 12 busts of Roman emperors. The gardens are open to visitors by guided visits.

From palaces, churches, museums, gardens, swimming pools, art galleries and beaches Oeiras has something for people of all ages.

Forts in the Oeiras area

Several forts are located along the coast in strategic places to defend Lisbon. The Forte de São Lourenço or Forte de Bugio,  lies in the sea at the entrance of the Tejo River. It has an 18th century lighthouse.  Built in the 16th century in Renaissance style.

Other forts in the borough of Oeiras are the Forte de São Julião da Barra in Carcavelos. It’s construction began in the 16th century and completed under King João IV. The Fort held some important military and political events.  The Sao João das Maias Fort in Oeiras is small and built in the 17th century. Paço de Arcos has the Giribita Forte, built in the 17th century under King Joao IV. In Caxias we have the Forte de São Bruno.

Barcarena Gunpowder Factory Museum – Fábrica da Pólvora de Barcarena

Gunpowder Factory Museum Barcarena

Leceia in Oeiras is an important archeological site. Artefacts found there can be seen in this Museum in Barcarena.

Gunpowder factory Museum Barcarena

Gunpowder was manufactured in this former factory in the 18th century. Exhibits in the Museum’s two rooms include tools and products used. The large area includes gardens and places for leisure activities and a café. It is quite a distance from the Cascais train line and the best method to get there would be by car/taxi.

Quinta do Paço Real de Caxias – Caxias Royal Estate

Gardens Quinta Real CaxiasIn Caxias you can see the Quinta do Paço Real de Caxias Estate  with its French geometrical style gardens. The building dates to the 18th century.Cascatas Caxias Qta Real

 

A main feature here is the cascade, water fountain made of natural stone, left – the Cascata.

 

Vasco da Gama Aquarium

Aquarium Vasco da GamaThis aquarium which is in the borough of Oeiras houses collections by King D. Carlos I (1863-1908) who was a keen oceanographer. It has a variety of marine and freshwater fauna.

King Carlos I Aquirium Vasco Gama

 

A dashing young King D. Carlos I  whose influences can be seen at the Vasco da Gama Aquarium in Algés and the Museum of the Sea in Cascais.

 

 

Parque dos Poetas – Poet’s Park

Parque Poetas sculptureSculpture Parque Poetas

 

 

 

 

 

The Parque dos Poetas or Poets Park is a modern park with sculptures of famous Portuguese poets. Fernando Pessoa, Alexandre O’Neil and Natalia Correia,  are just some of them.  You can find water features, a children’s park and an amphiteatre here.  There are superb views from here toward the sea. Open daily from 9am to 11pm.  A quiosque serving drinks and snacks is located in the middle of the park.

Just next door is the Oeiras Park Shopping Centre.

Oeiras celebrates religious festivities throughout the year with processions from churches and in the streets.

Antique fairs take place on the 1st Sunday in Oeiras and 3rd Sunday in Paço de Arcos.  In Algés they are on the 4th Sunday.

With its university and facilities for its residents the Oeiras borough is a dynamic borough.

By Pat Rodrigues

A guide to tourism in the Estoril Lisbon Coast