The many connections between literary figures and the town of Cascais have given rise to a literary route. For Fernando Pessoa and Maria Amália Vaz de Carvalho, it was a spiritual refuge. Eça de Queiroz gathered the great intellectuals of his time for dinners at Casa de S. Bernardo. Branquinho da Fonseca was instrumental in bringing libraries closer to the community. Ramalho Ortigão praised the beaches of Cascais and the therapeutic properties of its waters, while Alberto Pimentel particularly enjoyed the local cuisine. Almeida Garrett visited the town in search of his forbidden love, and Ruben A. experienced significant moments there during World War II when the town became a point of passage for many spies and refugees.
It was with all these stories and references in mind that António Ribeiro, a master's student at the Faculty of Letters of the University of Lisbon and the Estoril Higher School of Hospitality and Tourism, designed this literary route as part of an internship facilitated by the Cascais City Council. The route, which can be detailed in this digital guide, extends for three kilometers and can last for an hour of walking.
An experience that is also gastronomic
Alongside the literary route, every year this initiative transforms into a gastronomic event. The next edition will take place on May 3rd, starting at 7:00 PM, with a guided tour along the route, followed by a literary dinner served at 8:00 PM at Casa de Santa Maria.
The menu for 2024 was inspired primarily by Branquinho da Fonseca, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of his death. It costs €110 per person, and registrations should be made via email at info@cascaisfoodlab.pt. The event is organized by Cascais Food Lab, with the support of the Estoril Higher School of Hospitality and Tourism.
More information is available on the municipality's website.
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