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Óbidos, Portugal

Let yourself be surprised by Óbidos and its walled historic centre during your proximate vacations in Portugal

Óbidos, Portugal
Óbidos © Celestino Manuel

Óbidos is one of those places that appears to be a temporal oasis in the immensity of Portugal. With a name deriving from the Latin oppidum, which means walled city, the iconic walls of its historic centre seem to be a mirage as a result of the contrast they create within the territory surrounding them. Although it is not the only walled city of the country, Óbidos still manages to stand out for its magnitude and presentation. Its peculiar structure and easily recognizable beauty have brought about its inclusion into the Seven Wonders of Portugal.

Ruas de Óbidos
Ruas de Óbidos © CM Óbidos

In 1148, Óbidos was reconstructed and embellished following the reconquest of the city from Arabian control. This battle inspired the poet Luis Vaz de Camoes to write the epic poem The Battle of Orique in Os Lusíadas. Walking through its historic quarter has not changed at all in 1000 years, as you can only listen to the birds singing instead of the usual car buzz. Such was its beautiful impact, that even the Queen of Portugal received the city as a present in 1282. This led to the creation of a tradition of queens of Portugal leaving their marks in the city, a tradition lasting until the year 1833. Even though the tradition no longer exists, Óbidos is nevertheless a gift of Portugal to the world.

The mere fact of walking through the streets arouses happy and astonishing sensations. It is impossible not to smile passing by the flowers in each balcony, from each house bathed by blue and yellow colors, standing on the stone pavement. This, without mentioning that its streets are brimming with architectural wealth. You can contemplate history placing its footprint, thanks to traces of gothic, renaissance and baroque in every corner. You will feel you are leaving your mark on history just by passing through.

Índex

What are the best places to see in Obidos?

Being a village that refused to lose its essence over the centuries, Óbidos is full of interesting places that will take you back to the Middle Ages. You will enjoy interesting sites that will blow your mind, and will make you reflect on the historic wealth of this destination.

The medieval wealth that this town radiates can be fully appreciated by contemplating the Castelo and the medieval wall of its historic quarter. In contrast to many other Portuguese walled castles, this one is circular, a seemingly trivial fact that actually had a defensive function. Its strategic architecture ensured the resistance of military revolutions characteristic of the medieval ages, being one of the first castles to adopt this military technique. The French military engineer Vauban would later perfect this method. This castle was the first historic monument to become a pousada (lodge), long before Downton Abbey would make you dream about resting in places such as these, so allow yourself the opportunity of living like a king.

Medieval Center, Óbidos, Portugal
Medieval Center of Óbidos
© Celestino Manuel

The Middle Ages are not the only period that left a mark in this town, as some historic relics date as far as I Century, among which Eburobrittium stands out. It used to be a Roman city of which only the name remains, until in 1994, whilst building roads, this hidden jewel was found. We have but only started grasping the surface of Eburobrittium, so there is not much information about it. Visit this zone and discover, along with the rest of the world, the mysteries that it keeps occult.

Óbidos is also home to a great religious spirit, expressed in its churches and sanctuaries, highlighted by its magnitude and architecture, and all the while this never perturbs the colorful atmosphere of the city. Churches with a strong historic meaning include the Santa María main Church or the São Pedro Church, both having a royal air present as soon as you enter. Or churches that capture the extravagant attention to detail of the Baroque in different scales, such as the São Tiago Church, the Misericórdia Church or Igreja de Nossa Senhora de Monserrate (Our Lady of Monserrate Church). Even captivating medieval and gothic mixes such as the São Martinho Chapel can be both intriguing and moving experiences. Do not forget to visit the incredibly lovely Sanctuary of Senhor Jesus da Pedra, considered to be a perfect artistic expression of sculptor Rodrigo Franco’s faith.

The architects are not the only artists that nourished the beauty of Óbidos, many painters and sculptors have found inspiration in its captivating atmosphere. You can observe countless pieces in their rustic museums and art galleries, both from foreign artists as well as locals. Discover museums such as the Abílio de Mattos e Silva Museum and the Municipal Museum, truly local artistic experiences, where you will learn about the city from the deepest corners of its citizens. Furthermore,  art galleries such as the Casa do Pelourinho Gallery and the Novaogiva Gallery exhibit many artistic expressions, some of which may represent your experience in the city.

What to do in Óbidos?

Óbidos is a town that can be observed in an afternoon, but to truly get a taste of its atmosphere, you must savor actively and more calmly its charming corners. Luckily, Óbidos is a place full of many activities that will make your trip a true gem.

Being so close as it is to the beach, it is home to the lovely Praia do Bom Sucesso (Beach of Good Luck) in closer proximity to the famous Lagoa de Óbidos (Lagoon of Óbidos), which has been transformed into a mixed zone of quietness and activity, adapted for whatever you are looking for in each moment. Discover this alluring contrast formed between the beach and the castle, the views have even seduced the greatest photographers over the years. Come and take one of its numerous windsurfing tours, where the solemn winds and the calmed sea create the perfect conditions for both professionals and amateurs. For the fearless craving even more, the town’s geographic location makes it a popular starting point for excursions to Peniche, and its famous Baleal island, considered the cradle of Portuguese surfing. And if you want to push your luck, make a trip to Nazaré, a famous record-holding place for the biggest wave to be ever surfed. Watch how many people try to become the next Garret McNamara, or pick a board yourself and take on the challenge.

Batalha Monastery, Portugal
Batalha Monastery, Portugal
© Celestino Manuel

If what you are looking for, during your trip, is admiring the architecture, surrounded by interesting stories and figures, Óbidos has this covered with its tours to monasteries. Visit the Monastery of Batalha, a beautiful building constructed in honor to the Virgin after general João D’Avis triumphed against the Spaniards. Nowadays, it is a war trophy of baroque style, with each hall telling a distinct story. Or visit the Monastery of Alcobaça, a great building that reminds the Portuguese of their origins. It was built by the first king of Portugal after the territory’s reconquest from the Arabs. It used to be a monastery of immense influence, now it is a source of cultural wealth.

If you are a fan of exotic flavors and of good ambience, you can also have a unique experience in the medieval taverns of Óbidos. Travel with your friends to enjoy the gem of Óbidos, the ginjinha, in an atmosphere that will make you talk about ogres and dragons.

Lose yourself in Óbidos as in the same way poetry makes you feel, for the presence of books have christened this town as a literary Town. You can find books anywhere, in libraries as well as in fruit stalls, since the passion for books never ends in Óbidos. It is worth mentioning that writing has always been promoted by the council, making poetry a normal trait in its citizens and on the streets they tread. So much so that UNESCO termed it as Villa Criativa da Literatura (Creative Villa of Literature).

The trip to the village can even be more special if made during one of its many fairies or festivals. Feel the greatest medieval presence during the Medieval Fair, where people get dressed, and jousts make the best out of horsemen and their spears; where alcohol and pork will take you back to the middle ages, thanks to one of the most anticipated parties of the year. Let your palate melt in the International Chocolate Fair, a festivity living up to its name because of its samples, sculptures and an ambience that is always sweet. Discover the next Pavarotti in the Festival of the Opera. And for those who want to express their spirituality, you can do so during the Holy Week in Óbidos, full of beautiful processions in all their highest splendor. Even the Christmas spirit is felt with youthful joy here, since Óbidos becomes Villa Navidad for a week. Dressed from top to bottom to be the perfect gift for everybody.

To end your experiences in the wonderful land of Óbidos, you must travel to the mystic Caverns of Mira de Aire. You can visit these caverns of more than 110 metres of slope and 4 kilometres of length. They are adorned by stalactites so beautiful that even Miquel Barceló would be put in a dreamy state. Thanks to a series of artificial tunnels, it is considered the biggest cave-dwelling in all of Portugal, and they never cease to astonish.  

How to get to Óbidos?

Located in the centre of Portugal, Óbidos fits perfectly well with any route over the area, especially considering that the sole fact of traveling to the town is an adventure already.

The intrepid ones may enjoy the popular EcoVía da Várzea da Rainha. A 14,800 metre long route which requires determination and strong legs. It offers gorgeous medieval landscapes that are but a perfect demonstration of the Magnus Opus that is Óbidos. The route crosses the lovely Praia do Bom Sucesso (Beach of Good Luck), the perfect resting place when you are going to need it the most.

The common routes become exciting adventures when you travel to Óbidos. The town is at the reach of everybody, as it is one of the stops of the A8 highway and the huge A1 highway. Something as ordinary as arriving at your destination is a complete turnabout when you reach the entrance of the city, Porta da Vila. It is a beautiful reminder of what you are about to experience 

When to go to Óbidos?

It is always a good time to visit Óbidos, since its charming and exotic atmosphere is lives on all year. That said, the previously mentioned festivals of this city add a special magic that you can’t miss.

Different months are packed with varied celebrations that amplify the already wonderful ambience of the town. Travel in July if you are ready to live during the Golden Age of Óbidos with its Medieval Fair, a celebration that will take you a thousand years back to a time of knights, and dressed people defending their honor in jousts celebrated with alcohol. Let your taste and smell be your guides, and visit the town at the beginning of March during the International Chocolate Fair. Where your favorite figures will be made of sweet flavors, where scents will make you float like a cartoon and where the sweetness will keep you safe in a dream come true. Delight your ears during the month of August in the Festival of the Opera, in a stage where the voice and lyrics are the main protagonists. Or travel during the Holy Week to admire the most appealing processions, which will enrich you both visually as well as spiritually. Or end the year on a high note by traveling during Christmas. Allow yourself to be surprised by the Christmas spirit of the town, and by decorations that will cheer up children and will uncover the child we all have inside.

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