Best of Caldas da Rainha tour

Step back in time as you visit the world’s oldest continually operating thermal hospital, founded over five hundred years ago by Portuguese Queen D. Leonor. Long before modern spas existed, the Queen was inspired by the healing powers of natural hot springs and had a thermal hospital built for those seeking cures for their ailments. Explore the Queen’s private pool and learn about the rich history of this remarkable institution. The tour continues to the nearby Church of Nossa Senhora do Pópulo, a small yet artistically significant place of worship that features some of the earliest examples of Manueline architecture, a uniquely Portuguese style that blends Gothic and Renaissance influences.

Stroll through the romantic D. Carlos I Park and enjoy a broader perspective of the city’s history, including its golden age in the nineteenth century when it flourished as an industrial and artistic hub. Discover the legacy of famous Portuguese artists such as Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro and Jose Malhoa, whose work helped shape the cultural identity of the region. This tour offers a perfect combination of history, art, and architecture, set against the backdrop of a city rich in heritage and charm.