By GoCaldas Team●September 3, 2019
Sip Coffee Beside the Fruit Market, Browse a 120-Year-Old Shop, and Meet the Makers: One Day with Zélia Évora in Caldas da Rainha
We swapped roles with illustrator Zélia Évora: we showed her our city, and she took us to her favourite places. A morning of cafés, markets and independent shops in the heart of Caldas da Rainha.
“One day with Zélia Évora” is part of a joint idea to take a guided tour so that we can explore the spaces we usually make known to our tourists and in return the maker took us to enjoy some of their favorite places.
And that’s how a unique morning was spent on the streets of Caldas da Rainha.
We started at Local Café, where between an espresso we got to know Ricardo and Matilde who explore this café located right next to the vibrant Praça da Fruta (Largo Dr. José Barbosa).
This recently opened space has a solid concept in a trilogy that allows us to buy wine and cheese from a selection made with the best in mind for you and still drink an espresso where the coffee is not chosen at random.
At the counter or sitting at one of the tables you can “mix” the trilogy by ordering a glass of wine with a cheese board, but you can also order one of the natural juices where the fresh fruit of the square (Praça da Fruta) is the queen. As a matter of fact we felt like staying for lunch, but time does not stop and we have to shiver our way.
We continue to the mythical Fruit Square (Praça da Fruta). This is the heart of the city, where every day of the week local vendors sell their produce. Between tomatoes, sprouts, onions, apples, pears we were toasted by the sympathy of all.
We went right to the Sr. Jacinto’s shop with time enough to cross the most popular street of Caldas da Rainha. Rua das Montras street is closed to traffic and every morning is the target of pilgrimage by the local population, which between shopping and loose talk the street almost serves for local meeting point.
The street Miguel Bombarda houses a unique store – Sr. Jacinto. This 120 year old building awaits our entrance.
The business that started as a grocery store went into haberdashery. This renowned space right in the center of Caldas has closed for refurbishment and has opened again with a unique offer in the city. A concept of arts and crafts full of works where many of the artists develop their work locally.
In this conversation with Samuel and Claudia (the owners of the shop) and Zélia we talk about how important it is to have a space in the city center dedicated to the promotion and sale of works made by local makers.
Between woodwork or illustration we can find a little of everything, in a curatorship that shows everyone’s affection in this whole process.
Recommended guided tour
Discover local flavours, cafés and traditional shops on a guided food walk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Praça da Fruta?
In the centre of Caldas da Rainha, at Praça da República. The open-air fruit and vegetable market runs every morning.
What is Rua das Montras?
The city’s best-known shopping street, closed to traffic and lined with shops and cafés.
Are there independent shops in Caldas da Rainha?
Yes, from historic family businesses to concept stores with local design, ceramics and illustration.
More about Caldas da Rainha
- 10 places you must see in Caldas da Rainha
- Caldas da Rainha Ceramics
- One day in Caldas da Rainha
- Tours at Caldas da Rainha
This guide was put together by the GoCaldas team, the local travel guide to Caldas da Rainha. Please check opening hours and prices before your visit.