Since 2019, Caldas da Rainha has been a UNESCO Creative City in the field of Crafts and Folk Art. Founded in the 15th century, the city of 51,600 inhabitants is known for its thermal waters and its 500-year-old ceramic tradition. 

A very strong creative community, driven by the School of Arts and Design of the Polytechnic of Leiria and the many cultural associations of civil society, finds in the city several museums dedicated to heritage (sculpture, painting and ceramics), numerous institutions dedicated to cultural and creative development and the arts in general, but also a business network that opens up creative perspectives through design.

In the city, there is a rich relationship between small workshops and industry, which makes it possible to go beyond the traditional boundaries of the relationship between craftsmen and industry.

Caldas da Rainha is a founding member of the Portuguese Association of Ceramic Cities and its cultural policy seeks to expand international networks, not only in Europe, but worldwide.