Legacy of the great explorers (Lisbon, Cascais)

During our stay in Cascais near Lisbon, we explored Portugal’s history and culture. Then, thanks to a short window of favorable winds, we sailed to Nazaré.

Navigators opening the sea trading routes (Lisbon)

Spending a day in Lisbon, we learned a lot at the Maritime Museum, located in the west wing of the Mosterio dos Jeronimos.

Indeed, we realised the impact of the pioneering Portuguese navigators. Dom Infante Enrique (the Navigator) encouraged the development of a trade route via the oceans to Eastern Asia. There lay the source of trade goods such as gold, valuable spices, silk, and slaves. Using recent developments in navigation, cartography, and maritime technology such as the caravel, Bartolomeu Dias rounded the Cape of Good Hope (1488) and Vasco da Gama reached India (1498).

Over time, the Portuguese established a network of fortified coastal trading centers, bringing the Portuguese Empire to its height of wealth and power.

Later, the Portuguese empire fell because it was very difficult to control a large empire across the globe and they faced fierce competition from other powerful European states. Furthermore, the colonised regions fought for their independence.

However, these daring discoveries opened new horizons and connected distant civilizations, accelerating the circulation of people, products and ideas thus contributing to the Renaissance in Europe.

Blooming arts (Sintra)

Ferdinand II (the Artist King) built the Palacio de Pena on the ruins of a monastery (damaged by the earthquake in the Lisbon region and by the extinction of religious orders). Drawning on his refined education, Ferdinand II mixed various styles (medieval, moorish, portuguese renaissance) to create a palace and gardens with a romantic aesthetic (1842-1854). Subsequently, the royal family spent many summer stays here.

The town of Sintra was a popular destination for the royal family since the end of the Middle Ages. The cool climate during the summer months or the need to protect oneself from plague epidemics in the capital shaped this village nested in the hills. It features numerous palaces and mansions built by the royal court.

Resort for nobility (Cascais)

The royal family also liked to spend time in Cascais. In the 1870s, King Luís I established the residence of the royal family in this seaside fishing town every September, hence attracting members of the Portuguese nobility. It is now a very wealthy resort, featuring sports and arts. Though somehow, Cascais managed to maintain its historical charm.

While walking along the coast to the Guia lighthouse, we admired the splashes of the waves.

Overnight sail to Nazaré

A few days later, we enjoyed the waves created by southerly winds much less. We were making way along the coast to round Cabo Raso and sail north to Nazaré. It was a rainy overnight sail, and we were happy to arrive without crossing path with fishing lines or orcas.