This historical Portuguese village is like an open museum, where pages of history are and were written, and a medieval environment always makes you feel like time has stopped.
Óbidos was captured from the Moors by the first king of Portugal, D. Afonso Henriques, in 1148. In 1210, Afonso II donated it to his wife, Queen D. Urraca; in 1281 it was also donated by king D. Dinis to his future wife, Queen Santa Isabel. From then until 1883, the town of Óbidos and the surrounding land was always the property of the queens of Portugal, and maybe that is the reason why the town has maintained such a lovely, romantic and picturesque aspect over the centuries.
Its narrow ancient streets, with white houses adorned with bougainvillea and honeysuckle, small traditional shops and a relaxing environment, make Óbidos one of the loveliest places in Portugal.
From the top of the Castle – one of the most beautiful medieval fortresses in the country -, you’ll find a stunning panorama over the surroundings areas, blessed by nature. Nowadays, the Castle also accommodates one of the finest prestigious hotels in Portugal.
Several interesting highlights can be found in Óbidos, such as the Nossa Senhora do Carmo Chapel, the Santa Maria Church (probably built during the Visigoth occupation period and later transformed into a mosque during the Moorish occupation period), the Misericórdia Church, the São Martinho Chapel, the Senhor da Pedra Sanctuary (outside the city walls) or even the Municipal Museum.
Inside Óbidos walls, in the Rua Direita (main street), it is possible to find diversified traditional items and noteworthy handicraft shops.
In the Tourist office several information is provided, and there is the possibility of having guided tours that better show how attractive and beautiful the town of Óbidos is.
Several events take place every year in Óbidos. The most important are the Holy Week Festivities (recreating the steps on the Way to the Cross), the Ancient Music Festival in October and the International Chocolate Festival in November.
