Caldas da Rainha>Parishes>A-dos-Francos
A-dos-Francos
A village of 1,700 people with an old coaching station, a Baroque church and lively music, folk and sports clubs.
Photo: GoCaldas
About A-dos-Francos
With an area of 18.93 km² and 1,701 inhabitants, A-dos-Francos became a town (vila) in 2009.
Today it is part of Caldas da Rainha, but it only moved from Óbidos to Caldas in 1885.
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Its exact origins are unknown, but the parish council dates it to between the 9th and 12th centuries. One local tradition says these lands were given by Portugal’s first king to the French in thanks for their help in the conquest of Lisbon.
What to see
Casal dos Carreiros coaching station
Built in 1855–1856, shortly after the road linking Lisbon and Porto, this station served the mail coaches. Portugal’s postal service itself dates back to King Manuel I in the 16th century.
São Silvestre Church
The parish church of São Silvestre is an 18th-century Baroque building.
Musical, Cultural and Recreational Society
The village’s largest cultural organisation, home to the philharmonic band founded on 15 April 1906, the “Danças do Arnóia” folk group (1980) and the popular marches (since 1995).
Sports and Cultural Group
Founded in 1976, the club’s women’s football team plays at the top level.
Santa Helena association
Founded in 2009 in Casais de Santa Helena, it organises walks, bike rides, Children’s Day, the Santa Helena festival, the Christmas tree and delivers Bolo Rei to older residents at Christmas.
Good to know
Getting there
Caldas da Rainha is about an hour from Lisbon on the A8 motorway. The easiest way to explore the parishes is by car.
Parking
Parking is usually easy in the villages. In the city centre, use the car parks around the centre and walk.
Where to eat
You will find traditional restaurants across the municipality, and plenty more in the centre of Caldas da Rainha.
Frequently asked questions
Since when has A-dos-Francos belonged to Caldas da Rainha?
Since 1885. Before that it belonged to Óbidos.
What is the Casal dos Carreiros coaching station?
A 19th-century mail coach station built in 1855–1856, shortly after the Lisbon–Porto road.
How do I contact the parish council?
By email at [email protected] or by phone on +351 262 949 534.
