Obidos - Portugal

We left the thriving capital of Portugal and headed for a smaller but no less historic place north of Lisboa; the mediaeval town of Óbidos; one of the most picturesque and well preserved places in Portugal.  Located on the Atlantic Ocean coast and perched on a hilltop, the original part of Óbidos is encircled by a fortified wall and is one of Portugal’s gem destinations.  The name "Óbidos" originates from the Latin word “oppidum”, meaning citadel, or fortified city.  Óbidos remains today a well-preserved example of medieval architecture.


The Fortified Wall of Obidos

One of the Entrances of the Old Town of Obidos

Archeological surveys have found the remains of a forum, baths and other Roman structures near the settlement.  Sometime around 713, the Moors established a fortification on this mountain.  The area was taken from the Moors by the first King of Portugal, Alfonso Henriques, in 1148.

View of Obidos from Inside the Fortified Wall



Reminders of a Bygone Era

When 13th-century Portuguese Queen Isabel passed through Óbidos and marvelled at its beauty, her husband King Denis simply gave it to her.  For centuries after, the kings of Portugal followed suit, presenting the town to their queens as a wedding gift.  Since then, Óbidos has often been patronised by the Queens of Portugal, giving rise to its informal title as “Vila das Rainhas” (town of the Queens).

Obidos - the Town of the Queens

Once you enter the citadel, past the fortified wall, Life takes on a different dimension.  It feels like you have stumbled onto a movie set.  The change of atmosphere and the slow pace of the area take you back to a time long ago.  If you are lucky, you might even be able take a photo with an obliging knight in full costume.  Every street has its own characteristic and nothing is more pleasurable than to wander around and take in the views.

The Castle Knight Welcoming the Visitors



Houses in Obidos

There is a great variety of gift, craft and souvenir shops and eating places especially along the main street.  We selected a restaurant and tried their Spaghetti Marinara.  I was keen to compare it with the Marinaras I have previously enjoyed in Italy.  The cooking approach was understandably different but the end result did not disappoint one bit.

Souvenir Shop in Obidos



Spaghetti Marinara Obidos Style

Each July, Óbidos castle hosts a traditional 'Medieval Market'.  For two weeks the castle and the surrounding town recreate the spirit of medieval Europe.  In the main street, you can find many outlets selling souvenirs as well as the famed local liqueur called “Ginginha”; a sweet brandy liqueur made with local cherries.

Souvenirs Made out of Cork



Street Stall Selling the Fanmous Ginginha Liqueur

After a lovely lunch and one last wander in the streets, it was time to head for our next destination and a complete change of scenery.  On to the famous beach town of Nazare.  Its fame comes from the monstrous waves that regularly occur at a particular time of the year.  This is the place where only the very few brave surfers from around the world gather each year to try and tame these giants of the ocean.