Monumental set where the transition from the tower-housing to the fortified palace with courtyard and attached outbuildings is clear, built on a Roman villa and integrated into the Portuguese Way of Santiago, traced over the old Roman road. Below the tower are the remains of the villa's atrium, with its mosaics. It has an interpretation center, a Manueline chapel and a store selling regional products.
The ancient residence of the Counts of Guarda currently houses the Town Council of Cascais. In the façade one can admire a rare tile frieze that pictures Saint Sebastian, Saint Anthony, Saint Marçal, Saint Mathew, Saint Marc, Saint Jeronimus, Saint Luke and Saint John. A special note to the themed tile panels that exist in the Sessions Room.
Large and modern space, consisting of a Grand Auditorium, with a capacity for 626 seats and where theater, music or dance shows often take place; a Small Auditorium, with a capacity for 161 seats and where plays, some concerts and cinema take place; and by an Art Gallery, where works by renowned artists are exhibited. It also has a Concert Café and a Bar in the Grand Auditorium.
This is an 18th century building which was restored during the Joanine period. It is worthy to mention the stonework finely elaborated on the door, pediment, windows, towers and niche. On the main chapel the altar is dedicated to Our Lady of Consolação (Consolation).
