Estoril
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Estoril is a civil parish of the Portuguese municipality of Cascais. The Estoril coast is close to Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. It starts in Carcavelos, 15 kilometres from Lisbon, and stretches as far as Guincho.
The two main resort towns are Estoril and Cascais. Estoril has a famous casino, the Estoril Casino. Estoril was the residence of Juan de Borbón, pretender to the Spanish throne during the last part of the 20th century.
The population of Estoril in 2001 was 23,769, its density is 2,702/km² and the area is 8.79 km².
The coat of arms are coloured blue a golden sun with five crests one in the middle and one outside. The waves of grey and pine green lie to the bottom. The crown has three towers on the top.
There are remains of Roman mansions dating back around 2,000 years.
Estoril used to be a significant fishing port. Since the early 20th century it has been important mostly as a tourist destination.
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[edit] Sports
The major local sports club is the GD Estoril-Praia.
[edit] Motorsports
Motorsport events are frequent at the Estoril Circuit, although Formula 1 is no longer on the circuit's calendar. This was due to the circuit not coming up to FIA safety standards, leading to the 1997 event being cancelled. Following a review on safety, Estoril was reshaped in 1999, the first two corners being affected the most. Today's circuit, is 4,183 kilometers (2,599 miles) in length and is run in a clockwise fashion. The circuit currently hosts international motorcycling events (Moto GP), among other lower formula events.
[edit] Tennis
An annual ATP tennis tournament is held in Estoril, the Estoril Open. It is played on clay and forms part of the spring European clay court season.
[edit] Monte Estoril
The beautiful hill town of Monte Estoril is situated between Estoril and Cascais. The town which houses the Verdades-Faria Museum was built in 1917 by Jorge O'Neil. Later on, in 1942 the building was bought by Mantero Belard and dedicated to the support of the arts and artists. Following his death, the building was donated to Cascais Council under the name of Verdades Faria and eventually housed the Regional Portuguese Music Museum.
At present this Museum hosts an important collection of musical instruments related to popular music, assembled by Michael Giacometti. The museum is open for temporary exhibitions, concerts, and guided visits on request.
Monte Estoril has supported Estoril as the flagship of Portuguese tourism. The area was initially called the Sun Coast but is now known as the Estoril Coast.
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