Algés

Alges town

Alges town

This is busy, bustling, colourful town on the Lisbon coast train line, situated about halfway between Carcavelos and Lisbon.

 

Algés, Lisbon coast

Lisbon coast, Algés

It boasts the famous Manuel de Brito Art Centre (CAMB), located in the restored 19th century Anjos Palace.  A valuable collection of contemporary Portuguese art is housed within. Highlights include works by Paula Rego, Julio Pomar, Vieira da Silva and Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso.

During the week, CAMB offers educational and cultural opportunities to visiting school children.

The associated, beautiful garden, with a cafe, is a great place to relax in after you’ve had your fill of the temporary and permanent exhibitions, and looked around the Palace.

Alges street art

Street art, Alges

Then, I suggest a wander through the streets, admiring especially the representative statues of local people, carved by Antonio Quina on Rua Major Afonso Palla. This permanent exhibition is called “Passeios públicos – Histórias privadas” (public crosswalks – private stories).

A new heliport has been built south of the railway track, by the beach. This (I hear) offers helicopter tours of Lisbon and its environs.