Caldas da Rainha>Parishes>Vidais
Vidais
Home to the Arch of Memory, life-size nativity scenes at Christmas and hearty traditional food.
Photo: GoCaldas
About Vidais
With around 1,200 inhabitants, this parish of Caldas da Rainha borders the municipality of Rio Maior. Here you can see the Arch of Memory and the chapels of Mosteiros, Rabaceira and Castros.
At Christmas, the village is known for its life-size nativity scenes. And if you love food, the local specialities are well worth trying:
- Fricassee
- Sardine mix
- Codfish
- Ferradura (a dry cake)
- Pão de Ló (sponge cake)
What to see
Arch of Memory
Built by the Cistercian monks of Alcobaça in honour of Afonso Henriques, Portugal’s first king. The arch you can visit today is a replica of the original, in a place that bears the same name.
Life-size nativity scenes
Every Christmas, Vidais is decorated with life-size nativity scenes, a project that sets the village apart.
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 Arch of Memory?
A monument originally built by the Cistercian monks of Alcobaça in honour of Afonso Henriques, Portugal’s first king. Today’s arch is a replica.
When can I see the nativity scenes?
During the Christmas season.
What food is Vidais known for?
Fricassee, sardine mix, codfish, ferradura (a dry cake) and pão de ló (sponge cake).
