Town Gate

The main entrance to the town has the inscription – «The Virgin Our Lady was conceived without original sin» – ordered by King D. João IV, in thanks for the protection of the Patroness during the Restoration of Independence in 1640. Inside you can find the chapel-oratory of Our Lady of Piety, Saint Patron of the town, with baroque balcony and blue and white tiles (c.1740-1750) with allegorical motifs from the Passion of Christ, representing the Agony of Jesus in the Garden and the Prison of Jesus, possibly executed during the period of King D. João V, associated with his travels to the thermal baths of Caldas da Rainha. Its walled construction dates from the period of King D. Fernando (14th century), where the characteristics of medieval military architecture are evident, with the existence of a double door and the particularity of being “elbowed”, allowing more effectively the defence of the medieval town.