Casa Pia

The Estadio Pina Manique is the home of Casa Pia AC, located at Rua Monsanto in the Belem district of Lisbon, close to the Monsanto Forest Park and the western outskirts of the capital. The stadium holds 7,000 spectators and is associated with the broader Casa Pia social institution - one of Portugal's oldest and most significant social welfare organisations, founded in 1780 under the Marques de Pombal to care for orphaned and disadvantaged children. Casa Pia AC was founded in 1920 as the sporting club of this institution, giving it a unique social welfare origin unlike any other Portuguese football club.

Casa Pia AC returned to the Primeira Liga in 2022 after many decades away, creating one of Portuguese football's most heartwarming recent narratives. The club's association with the historic Casa Pia institution, which continues to run educational and social services programmes, gives them a community purpose that extends beyond competitive football. Their sustained Primeira Liga presence since their return has been achieved with modest resources but considerable tactical organisation and spirit, and the club has earned respect across Portugal for their competitive performances against much wealthier opponents.

The Estadio Pina Manique's modest capacity creates an intimate, passionate matchday environment for Casa Pia's Primeira Liga home fixtures. The stadium is named after Pina Manique, the Portuguese police official and social reformer who was a contemporary of the Casa Pia's founder and contributed to the institution's early development. Situated close to the Monsanto hill and overlooking western Lisbon, the ground has a pleasant elevated setting. Casa Pia's unique identity - a football club rooted in centuries of social work and educational tradition - makes them one of Portuguese football's most culturally distinctive institutions, and their continued presence in the top flight is celebrated as a victory for football's social dimensions.