S. Pedro de Rates is a village of ancient scrolls that lived its golden age in the Middle Ages, strongly marking the economic and cultural life of the region. It maintained an autonomy that lasted more than six centuries and its main symbols continued to be the building of the old Town Hall and the Pelourinho (Manuelino), classified as a National Monument. In 1836 it became part of the municipality of Póvoa de Varzim. In the centre of this Square, surrounded by the most “noble” houses, stands the chapel of Senhor da Praça, from the 18th century, adorned with exuberant baroque altars. In 1997 and 1998 this entire public space was the subject of rehabilitation works.