Caldas da Rainha

This collection of 20 ceramic art works inspired by Raphael Bordallo Pinheiro are spread throughout the city centre. The human figures are about life size, while the animals and plants are mostly larger than life. See a list of pieces and their locations here or here.

Opened in 2010 in disused grain silos near the train tracks, SILOS provides ateliers, working space for artists, most of whom are students at Caldas' art and design school (ESAD). You can visit the artists' creations at the on-site Gallery Farinha, which can be booked on their Facebook page.

The lovely pink old city hall stands on Praça da República (Praça da Fruta). The seat of the municipal government was moved to a larger brutalist building, and the old edifice now houses civil parish offices of the União das Freguesias das Caldas da Rainha - Nossa Senhora do Pópulo, Coto e São Gregório. The building was dedicated in 1750, as indicated by the "MDCCL" etched on its façade. An inscription above the clock shows "1841", when the clock and bell were added. The building is classified as Imóvel de Interesse Público (Property of Public Interest).

Caldas da Rainha is home to many fine examples of Art Nouveau buildings. This style was popular worldwide between 1890 and 1910, but it flourished in Portugal from 1905 to 1920. You can identify Art Nouveau by its beautiful tile façades, ornate wrought iron embellishments, and decorative stonework. Walk around the city centre to find many more gems.

Mannerist and baroque chapel built in the 16th century and rebuilt in the 18th century. The building is classified as Imóvel de Interesse Público (Property of Public Interest).

16th-century mannerist and baroque chapel. Remodeled in the 18th century, the chapel is covered in tiles depicting the life of Saint Sebastian. The building is classified as Imóvel de Interesse Público (Property of Public Interest). Tours can be arranged through the Museu do Hospital e das Caldas.

The raison d'être of Caldas da Rainha, the thermal hospital was founded by Queen Leonor after experiencing the healing properties of the sulfurous hot springs on this site. The older building (labeled Hospital Termal above the glass entrance doors) was begun in 1485, and the newer one (labeled Balneário Novo) was completed in 1750. The hospital continues to operate to this day, subject to closures when impurities are found in the water. The waters are rich in minerals, particularly sulphur, and are prescribed to treat joint and respiratory ailments. Tours can be arranged through the Museu do Hospital e das Caldas.

Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição is a modern church built in the early 1950s to accommodate the city's growing population. Construction began on 20 August 1950, with a blessing from the cardinal–patriarch of Lisbon and the presence of the minister of public works. The cardinal–patriarch inaugurated the church 14 months later on 21 October 1951. The façade and décor aren't as bleak as other mid-century houses of worship, but compared with older churches in Portugal, Nossa Senhora da Conceição seems plainer and less elaborate. Its interior is mostly bright white sparingly adorned with some blue azulejo tiles, statues, and stations of the cross. This does give it an airy, open, and sunny look.

Built in 1500 as the royal chapel associated with the thermal hospital, this church features Late Gothic, Manueline, and Mudéjar styles. At the behest of Queen Leonor, Pope Julius II elevated the chapel to mother church of Caldas. The interior is lined with tiles, including original Hispano-Arab tiles on the side altars. The Passion triptych over the triumphal arch has drawn the interest of art historians. Since 1910, the church has been a National Monument, the only one in Caldas. Tours can be arranged through the Museu do Hospital e das Caldas.

The grandest of Caldas' fountains, this baroque waterworks was built in 1749 and is noted for the five spigots from which its name derives. The five stars surrounding the spigots represent five of the seven Pleiades of Greek mythology. The other two Pleiades are represented on the other 1749 baroque fountains: Chafariz da Estrada da Foz and Chafariz da Rua Nova. This fountain and its sisters were constructed to provide water to the populace. They were not primarily initially decorative, though they are so now. Cinco Bicas remains in good working order, but don't drink. The fountain is classified as Imóvel de Interesse Público (Property of Public Interest).

Built in 1749, this fountain was built in conjunction with Chafariz das Cinco Bicas. While not as grand, the fountain's age and good condition make it an interesting stop for visitors who enjoy baroque waterworks. It is also more integrated into the urban fabric, less standalone than Cinco Bicas. The fountain no longer functions; its purpose now is decorative and historical. The fountain is classified as Imóvel de Interesse Público (Property of Public Interest).

Caldas' third baroque fountain built in 1749, not as grand as the Cinco Bicas fountain, but still a pleasant sight. When you first approach the underused but lovely square, you will see a fountain in the centre, but this is not your target. Chafariz da Rua Nova stands against a wall near a staircase leading to an upper lane. The fountain is classified as Imóvel de Interesse Público (Property of Public Interest).

Although Bairro dos Arneiros is a lively residential area, Fonte Luminosa is one of Santo Onofre's few sights of interest for most visitors. This modern fountain, renovated in the summer of 2020, shoots jets of water illuminated by coloured lights. While you're here, check out some of the restaurants, cafés, and shops around and near the square.

A whimsical "garden" with water features, accented with ceramics, tiles, and towering sculptures. It was designed by master ceramicist Luis Ferreira da Silva (1928-2016) and built in the 1990s. This installation is one of the country's largest urban ceramic works. It honors two of the city's iconic symbols: water and ceramics.

If the park is too urban for your taste, visit the adjoining Mata Dona Leonor. Tree-lined trails make for quiet, pleasant walks. You can also find picnic facilities. Planted during Queen Leonor's era, the forest was meant to protect the source of the hospital's hot springs. Trees include pine, oak, sycamore, and acacia.

This delightful park serves as the main green space in Caldas da Rainha. The paths through the flowerbeds and trees make for a pleasant walk. Visitors can rent a rowboat to circumnavigate the small lake around a little island. The boathouse is now used for art exhibitions, as is the Céu de Vidro ("glass sky"), a skylight-covered pathway between two old buildings that connects the park to the thermal hospital. The Museu José Malhoa sits in the middle of the park. The park contains numerous statues and sculptures, some of historical figures, others more whimsical and fun. The Pavilhões do Parque ("park pavilions") are several interconnected buildings, originally intended as a spa resort for the thermal hospital. They served various purposes in the past. These lovely buildings, which serve as a sort of emblem of the park, have unfortunately been allowed to decay and are on the verge of ruin. Their beauty is still evident, however, and their reflection on the lake makes for a popular photo opportunity. Word is the buildings will be revived as a hotel. The park's amenities include a playground, picnic area, tennis courts, and restrooms. The park is named for King Carlos I (Charles) who reigned from 1889 until his assassination in 1908 at the age of 44. In January 2021, Evasões magazine called the park, "One of the most beautiful parks in the country (perhaps the entire world)".

This huge boulder with an arched opening was formed by rain and wind erosion. It is millions of years old and dates back to the Jurassic period.

The Paul de Tornada is a marsh with an ecosystem containing protected flora and fauna.

You will find this small, pleasant square in the Bairro Além da Ponte section of Santo Onofre. Away from the usual tourist track, this urban pocket provides a glimpse of typical life in a Portuguese neighbourhood. You may wish to sit at one of the outdoor cafés, or you can grab a beverage or light meal at one of the surrounding eateries and enjoy it on a public bench. The disused water pump served as the population's source of well water back in the days before homes had indoor plumbing. A few trees lend the square a feeling of city oasis. On Saturdays, the square hosts Mercadinho Das Águas Santas, a small market of handicrafts, culture, and food.

These two adjacent squares lie in the heart of Caldas' Historic Zone. Largo Rainha D. Leonor—also known as Largo da Copa—houses both buildings of the thermal hospital and provides access to the park. Largo D. Manuel I has the Chafariz da Rua Nova water fountain as well as a more modern fountain. Both plazas are picturesque and offer excellent viewpoints for photos. You can find a few cafés and restaurants on or just off the squares.

This square used to host the fish and seafood market until it moved indoors elsewhere in town. Nowadays, the plaza is a centre of dining and nightlife, with numerous restaurants, cafés, and bars. Many feature outdoor seating. Music and other entertainment often grace the square. The square's name means 5 October and commemorates the 1910 revolution in which King Manuel II was deposed and Portugal was established as a republic.

This square acts as a civic centre of sorts and hosts three "great powers": the brutalist modern city hall building (Câmara Municipal), the mid-century Church of Our Lady of the Conception (Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição), and the courthouse (Palácio da Justiça). This plaza holds the city's huge artificial Christmas tree each year and is a primary meeting point for the annual Carnaval (Mardi Gras) parade. The square's name refers to 25 April, the date of the Carnation Revolution in 1974 that overthrew Portugal's authoritarian Estado Novo government.

The city's grandest public square hosts the daily farmers' market and is called Praça da Fruta (Fruit Square) by the locals. The plaza is surrounded by many examples of fine architecture. Don't miss the lovely pink old city hall and several Art Nouveau buildings. You can find a respite from urban explorations with drinks and pastries at the kiosk on the plaza's southwestern end or at one of the area's many cafés. You might wish to also visit the square after the farmers' market finishes for the day, in order to appreciate the beautiful patterns of the stone calçada portuguesa pavement.

Ten lanes of bowling plus snooker, video games, and Thursday karaoke. The restaurant's menu includes salads, omelets, fish, meat, pizza, pasta, and a kids' menu. Beverages include coffee, soda, milkshakes, hot chocolate, beer, wine, and liquor. Bowl. Eat. Drink. Repeat.

The main performing arts centre in Caldas da Rainha hosts music, theatre, film, and dance events, as well as conferences and exhibitions. The centre has a café called Momentos (Moments).

This is the only full-time cinema in Caldas.

Caldas da Rainha's main exhibition centre hosts a variety of events including car shows, bridal expos, animal exhibitions, toy fairs, and holiday celebrations.

Whether you're a participant or a spectator, Caldas is the destination in Portugal for badminton. The country's governing body is located here, as is its high-performance sports centre (training and competition venue). It hosts national and international championships.

Indoor go-karting on a 315 m track.

Infinite Roll is a board game club and shop. They also have card games and roleplaying games. They host game nights, tournaments, live streams and events. This is the destination for geek culture.

This theatre troupe puts on several productions each year.

Rugby is not as popular as football (soccer) in Portugal, but the country manages to field an active league. Caldas plays in the league's second tier.

Football (soccer) is the leading sport for participants and spectators in Portugal. Come cheer the local team. Once in the top division, Caldas nowadays plays in Portugal's third division, confusingly called Campeonato de Portugal. The club celebrated its centennial in 2016.

Caldas municipality has over 22 km of bicycle paths, along five routes. These include an 8 km portion of Estrada Atlântica (Atlantic Road), which goes through other municipalities for a total length of 62 km: Alcobaça, Marinha Grande, Leiria, and Pombal.

Learn canoeing, windsurfing, catamaran, kitesurfing, SUP/paddle board, surfing, foiling, wing foil, and optimist (small, single-handed sailing dinghy intended for use by children up to the age of 15) on Óbidos Lagoon. They offer courses, group lessons, private lessons, and team building. They rent equipment and will assist with accommodation and gear storage and repair. Their bar offers beverages and light meals.

Caldas is home to the Portuguese Modern Pentathlon Federation, and the city hosts some events, including the 2021 European U17 & U19 Youth Championships (28 Aug–5 Sep).

Lagoa de Óbidos is situated between Caldas da Rainha (Foz do Arelho and Nadadouro civil parishes) and Óbidos (Vau and Santa Maria civil parishes). The lagoon flows into the Atlantic Ocean. It offers many aquatic activities, including sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, rowing, kiteboarding, jet-skiing, waterskiing, stand-up paddling. The beaches on the shore offer opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and making sandcastles.

Controversial among even the Portuguese themselves, bullfighting continues to be a somewhat popular spectator sport in this country. The bullring in Caldas hosts several bullfights each year. As a minor consolation, in Portugal the bull is not killed in the ring within the sight of spectators. This 3,250-seat arena, inaugurated 13 June 1883, also hosts concerts and other spectacles.

Foz do Arelho has the two closest beaches to Caldas da Rainha, about 10 km NW of the city centre. One faces the Atlantic Ocean (Praia do Mar), and other is on the calmer Lagoa de Óbidos (Foz do Arelho–Lagoa). They are connected by a narrow channel. These beaches are popular with both Caldenses and visitors. Both beaches have earned the coveted Blue Flag (Bandeira Azul). The criteria for Blue Flag beaches cover four main areas: water quality; environmental information and education; environmental management; and safety and services.

The calm waters of this riverside beach near an enclosed bay make Salir do Porto a popular beach destination for families with young children.

Concrete ramps and metal rails to practice skateboard and bike tricks.

Annual street food festival. Come enjoy some delicious grub al fresco and in the shadow of the city's gigantic Christmas tree.

Caldas da Rainha does not take Christmastime lightly. Decorations and lights can be found in abundance. The main (artificial) tree is found at Praça 25 de Abril. This site includes a large, illuminated "Caldas da Rainha" sign, perfect for selfies and pics. Nearly 50 city streets and squares are strung with lights and various iconic buildings are lit up. Check out the festive store windows decorated to compete for a prize from the local chamber of commerce. Roving bands and musicians delight the populace and visitors with holiday melodies.

Welcome the new year with music and fireworks in the city's main square.

Traditionally, Carnaval celebrated one last hurrah with a huge party before the long Lenten season of repentance that precedes Easter, Christianity's most important holiday. Nowadays, Carnaval in Portugal takes on a more secular aspect, with less attention paid to religion. Festivities begin several days before, with a party for senior citizens and a children's parade. Celebrations culminate in a grand parade with costumed revelers and floats along Avenida Primeiro de Maio, the wide avenue that connects the railway station to the city hall. Young and old dress up, some preferring to make a political statement, others honouring the latest Marvel superhero or Disney princess, or dressing as fruits and vegetables.

Annual press cartoon contest, featuring caricature, editorial, and gag entries.

Caldas da Rainha celebrates itself with an annual municipal holiday. Music, fireworks, the presentation of medals of merit, and the inauguration of civic works mark the occasion. Associated events are held throughout the month.

Come see the pure-blood Lusitano horses at this exhibition.

Caldas Late Night is a three-day celebration of music, art, performance, multimedia, and design. It's been organised annually by students of Escola Superior de Artes e Design (ESAD, school of art & design) since 1992.

This urban arts festival runs throughout the city during the summer. In its first year (2020), six murals were created on buildings throughout the city. Like much in Caldas, the festival's name is a double entendre. It sounds like the Portuguese words for both "I speak" and "phallus".

The city holds numerous events under the Caldas Anima banner: magic, theatre, circus, music, film, festivals, and fairs.

An annual 10-day celebration of summer at the Expoeste exhibition centre. Visitors can taste foods from communities throughout the municipality and watch folk dancers in traditional costumes. There are exhibits of handicrafts and ethnography.

Caldenses celebrate this late-summer national/Catholic holiday with a fair that has lots of food and rides. The city also holds a bullfight on this day.

Caldas celebrates fruits in the park. Food and drink abound. Musical entertainment nightly at 22:00. There will be 200 exhibitors and over a dozen restaurants, bars, wineries, traditional Portuguese smoked meats and charcuterie. There will also be entertainment throughout the city during this event.

Caldas Nice Jazz, an international music festival, features concerts both at the Cultural and Conference Centre (CCC) and at other venues in the city, including outdoors.

Theatre students from the Escola Superior de Arte e Design (arts and design school), along with students from other Portuguese and international schools, celebrate the performing arts. Since its first edition in 2011, the audiences have grown ever larger.