Caldas da Rainha>Parishes>Santo Onofre and Serra do Bouro
Santo Onofre and Serra do Bouro
A lively urban parish born around the Águas Santas springs, joined to the rural and coastal Serra do Bouro, with its clifftop trails and the “English Cemetery”.
Photo: GoCaldas
About Santo Onofre and Serra do Bouro
Santo Onofre is a former urban parish of Caldas da Rainha with around 12,500 inhabitants. Its name comes from a figure of Santo Onofre kept at Quinta dos Pinheiros.
It grew up around Bairro das Águas Santas, where medicinal springs were discovered in 1852 and a spa, now closed, was later built. Humble families built their homes here, giving rise to the Ponte, Morenas and Arneiros neighbourhoods. This working-class area is home to some of the city’s biggest institutions, such as PIMPÕES and ARNEIRENSE.
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Serra do Bouro, with around 700 inhabitants, was the least populated parish in the municipality. This rural area reaches the Atlantic coast, with beautiful views and trails to explore. It once belonged to Óbidos, and its main sights are the parish church, with its gilded woodwork, and the “English Cemetery”, linked to the wreck of the SS Roumania off the beach at Foz do Arelho.
What to see
Municipal Library
Once in Parque D. Carlos I, the municipal library is now in Bairro da Ponte, on the main road from the city to Foz do Arelho.
Teatro da Rainha
A theatre company with decades of activity. Until its new building is finished, you can see its plays at the Sala Estúdio on Rua Vitorino Fróis, next to the Municipal Library.
Youth Centre
It runs activities for young people, such as dance, theatre and concerts.
Parish church, Serra do Bouro
The church of Nossa Senhora dos Mártires dates back to the 16th century and has Manueline features, such as its doorway.
The English Cemetery
Inside the local cemetery, the “English Cemetery” is linked to the wreck of the SS Roumania, which sank off the beach at Foz do Arelho.
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 the English Cemetery in Serra do Bouro?
A part of the local cemetery linked to the wreck of the SS Roumania off the beach at Foz do Arelho.
Where does the name Santo Onofre come from?
From a figure of Santo Onofre kept at Quinta dos Pinheiros.
Is there access to the coast?
Yes. Serra do Bouro reaches the Atlantic coast, with viewpoints and walking trails.
