Category: Civil Architecture > Mail Coach Station
District: Leiria > Caldas da Rainha > A dos Francos > Carreiros
Located in the peaceful area of Carreiros, part of the locality of A dos Francos, in the municipality of Caldas da Rainha, the Casal dos Carreiros Post House stands on the edge of a road that, in the past, was a crucial communication route. Its rural and isolated setting gives it an atmosphere of peace, allowing visitors a connection to a past where landscapes were dominated by the slow pace of diligences.
This building represents a significant landmark in the history of transport and communications in Portugal. Built between 1855 and 1856, it was part of the network of post houses that connected the country's main cities, namely Lisbon and Porto, through a daily diligence service. Its primary function was to serve as a stopping point for changing horses and, at the same time, offer a place of rest and accommodation to travelers facing long journeys.
The post houses were essential for the transport of mail and passengers, marking an era of development and modernization of Portuguese road infrastructures. The arrival of the railway, from 1864 onwards, dictated the gradual disuse of these support stations, turning them into testaments to a time when journeys were lengthy and required strategic stops for replenishment and rest.
The architecture of the Casal dos Carreiros Post House is a remarkable example of 19th-century functional design. With a U-shaped plan, the building features distinct volumes, covered by multi-pitched roofs, and its main facade faces the road.
Details observed include the large central entrance gate, with a semicircular lintel, and windows that repeat this shape on other elevations. The cornerstones and cushioned pilasters in stonework on the side facades enrich its sobriety. Although the original stables and innkeeper's house no longer exist, the structure preserves the memory of a space that included a large central hall and lateral quarters, designed for the convenience of travelers of the time. Its classification as a Public Interest Property since 1977 underlines the importance of this remnant of the country's transport history.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Estação_da_Mala-Posta_do_Casal_dos_Carreiros
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.31175237097901,-9.068775262120305
Coordinates DMS: 39°18'42.3"N 09°04'7.6"W
Weather A dos Francos
On-duty Pharmacy A dos Francos
