Praça 5 de Outubro (5th of October Square), Cascais
5th of October Square, located in the charming town of Cascais, Portugal, holds a rich history that reflects the transformation of this former fishing village into a cosmopolitan resort destination.
Cascais first gained recognition as a resort for Portugal's royal family during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Over time, the citadel of Cascais began to deteriorate until King Luiz I decided to embark on a restoration project. His vision was to turn Cascais into his summer residence, ultimately elevating the quiet fishing village into a vibrant and sophisticated address.
The square's name, 5th of October Square, commemorates the day of the revolution in 1910 when the last King of Portugal was overthrown, marking a significant turning point in the nation's history. This area is an integral part of downtown Cascais, characterized by its well-organized pedestrian zones.
At the heart of the square stands a monument dedicated to King Dom Pedro, known as "the Liberator." Dom Pedro played a pivotal role in history as the founder and first ruler of the Empire of Brazil. During the French invasion of Portugal in 1807, he and his family fled the country, marking a period of significant change. Another smaller monument in the square pays homage to King Luiz I, who passed away in Cascais in 1889. This monument was erected in 1989 to commemorate the centenary of his death.
The Town Hall, adorned with beautiful azulejos (traditional Portuguese ceramic tiles), features depictions of Catholic saints, adding to the square's character and charm. Additionally, there is an azulejos panorama that showcases the square's historical significance.
The iconic peleorinho column, found on public squares throughout Portugal, further adds to the square's cultural significance.
Cascais first gained recognition as a resort for Portugal's royal family during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Over time, the citadel of Cascais began to deteriorate until King Luiz I decided to embark on a restoration project. His vision was to turn Cascais into his summer residence, ultimately elevating the quiet fishing village into a vibrant and sophisticated address.
The square's name, 5th of October Square, commemorates the day of the revolution in 1910 when the last King of Portugal was overthrown, marking a significant turning point in the nation's history. This area is an integral part of downtown Cascais, characterized by its well-organized pedestrian zones.
At the heart of the square stands a monument dedicated to King Dom Pedro, known as "the Liberator." Dom Pedro played a pivotal role in history as the founder and first ruler of the Empire of Brazil. During the French invasion of Portugal in 1807, he and his family fled the country, marking a period of significant change. Another smaller monument in the square pays homage to King Luiz I, who passed away in Cascais in 1889. This monument was erected in 1989 to commemorate the centenary of his death.
The Town Hall, adorned with beautiful azulejos (traditional Portuguese ceramic tiles), features depictions of Catholic saints, adding to the square's character and charm. Additionally, there is an azulejos panorama that showcases the square's historical significance.
The iconic peleorinho column, found on public squares throughout Portugal, further adds to the square's cultural significance.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Cascais. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51±¬ÁÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Praça 5 de Outubro (5th of October Square) on Map
Sight Name: Praça 5 de Outubro (5th of October Square)
Sight Location: Cascais, Portugal (See walking tours in Cascais)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Cascais, Portugal (See walking tours in Cascais)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Cascais, Portugal
Create Your Own Walk in Cascais
Creating your own self-guided walk in Cascais is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Cascais Introduction Walking Tour
A charming seaside town some 30 minutes' drive away from the capital of Portugal, Cascais, holds a unique place in the country's history and culture. It started life as a humble fishing village, with the Romans, Visigoths, and Muslims leaving their mark on the area. Records dating back to Roman times suggest that it served as a stopover point for travelers along the coastline.
The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles