Images | Photographs of Portugal: Casino Estoril II, Estoril, Portugal
These are photos of the luxurious Casino Estoril in the sophisticated resort town of Estoril on the Lisbon coast. It is generally considered to be one of the largest casinos in Europe. Its origins date back to 1916 but it has been expanded considerably over the following decades. It was the inspiration for Ian Fleming's first James Bond 007 novel Casino Royale.
The first stone of the building was laid on 16 January 1916 by then-President Dr. Bernardino Machado, a venture of businessman Fausto Cardoso de Figueiredo, whose statue now stands in the green space in front of the casino.
During the Second World War, it was reputed to be a gathering point for spies, dispossessed royals, and wartime adventurers.
The casino was owned by the Macau gambling magnate Stanley Ho. As well as gambling the casino hosts spectacular entertainments and features a number of restaurants (one seats 1,000 people). These include Mandarim for exquisite Cantonese food, Bistro specializing in Portuguese cuisine and Zeno Lounge which offers a fusion of Brazilian and Italian dishes.
There are also 5 bars, a nightclub, an art gallery and a nightly floor show. The casino provides roulette, blackjack, French bank, slots and also poker tables.
Access
Av. Dr. Stanley Ho
2765-190 Estoril
Tel: 214 667 700
Casino Estoril is a short walk from Estoril Station and Tamariz Beach (Praia do Tamariz).
