Historic places in Caldas da Rainha

Historic places in Caldas da Rainha

1. 
   SeePublic art

   Chafariz das Cinco Bicas

   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).

   24 hours daily·Free
2. 
   SeeMuseum

   Museu do Hospital e das Caldas

   Museum of the Hospital and of the Hot Springs

   Housed in the Caza Real (royal house), this museum presents the history of the thermal hospital and its hot springs. Until the end of the monarchy, the building served as home to the hospital directors as well as lodging for the royal family when they visited Caldas. In 1992, restoration was undertaken, along with installation of the museum. The museum offers tours of the hospital and its associated heritage.

   Tue–Sat & holidays 10:00–12:30 & 14:00–17:30, Sun 09:00–12:00, closed Mon·EUR 3, EUR 1.50 for retirees and youth card holders, free to age 14
3. 
   See

   Parque Dom Carlos I

   Parque D. Carlos I, King Charles I Park

   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)".

   Open now · closes 10 pm
4. 
   See Not mapped

   Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Pópulo

   Church of Our Lady of the Pópulo

   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.

   Visit: Tue–Sat 14:00–17:00, closed Mon & holidays; Mass: Mon–Sat 11:00, Sun 09:00
5. 
   See Not mapped

   Museu do Ciclismo

   Cycling Museum

   This small museum is dedicated to the history of cycling in Portugal. Several historical bicycles are on display.

   Tue–Fri 10:00–12:30 & 14:00–17:30, Sat Sun 10:00–12:30 & 14:30–17:00, Mon closed·Free
6. 
   SeeHistoric site

   Queen Leonor Statue

   Estátua de Rainha Dona Leonor

   The Queen stands regally in a roundabout, facing the park and welcoming visitors to the city centre. The statue was created by sculptor Francisco Franco (no, not the Spanish dictator) and was inaugurated 15 September 1935.

   24 hours daily·Free
7. See

   Chafariz da Estrada da Foz

   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).

   24 hours daily·Free

8. See

   Largo Rainha Dona Leonor & Largo Dom Manuel I

   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.

   24 hours daily·Free

9. SeeHistory museum

   Museu da Cerâmica

   Rua Doutor Ilídio Amado

   Wheelchair accessible

10. SeeMemorial

    Monumento ao Emigrante

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Caldas da Rainha (CC BY-SA 4.0). Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Place data from Overture Maps.