Caldas da Rainha>Parishes>Carvalhal Benfeito
Carvalhal Benfeito
A quiet rural parish of chapels, roadside shrines and the Mata das Mestras woodland, perfect for a walk and a picnic.
Photo: GoCaldas
About Carvalhal Benfeito
The parish of Carvalhal Benfeito, in the municipality of Caldas da Rainha, covers 13.95 km² and has 1,279 inhabitants.
Its name is said to come from a noble family called Carvalhal, and its founding is dated to the 13th century.
What to see
Antas chapel
Dedicated to Santa Maria and São Brás, this is a very old chapel.
Santa Ana chapel
The most recent of the parish’s churches and chapels.
Parish church
Built after the Middle Ages and renovated in the 1970s.
Casal Novo and Osseira shrines
Two roadside shrines that show the strong place of religion in rural life.
Mata das Mestras
This woodland, shared by several parishes of Caldas da Rainha, is an idyllic place for a walk and perhaps a picnic.
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
What is Mata das Mestras?
A woodland shared by several parishes of Caldas da Rainha, ideal for walks and picnics.
How many people live in Carvalhal Benfeito?
1,279 people, in an area of 13.95 km².
How do I contact the parish council?
By email at geral@freguesiacarvalhalbenfeito.pt or by phone on +351 262 927 865.
