The city was conquered from the Arabs by the 1st king of Portugal in 1148, it was then given to the holy queenIsabel in 1282, by her husband king Dinis. From then, all the Portuguese queens received it as a wedding present until 1833. Some chose to settle down there for a while. Óbidos was severely damaged during the 1755 earthquake and lost a large part of its patrimony.
Itis best to leave your car outside the ramparts and enter the city by the "Porta da Vila", a gate that is covered by 18th century azulejos. Then, you can take the street that goes down on the right to discover the city, its streets, white houses, flowers, and shops. Don't leave Óbidos without having sampled (or bought!) its speciality, Ginginha de Óbidos, or Morello cherry liqueur. The lovely shops are mainly ceramic and pottery.
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Castelo - Óbidos |
Porta da Vila |
A little farther, you will find the S.Pedro church, rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake, where is the tomb of Josefa de Óbidos, a painter who spent a large part of her life (1634-1684) in the city, and left several very beautiful paintings. In front of this church, there is the S.Martinho chapel, Gothic style, it's now used for craft exhibitions, in particular Óbidos lace embroidery. This embroidery was created during the 50s, by a lady that was born in the city. She was inspired by the ceiling paintings in Santa Maria church.
In the same street, a little farther, there's the Misericórdia church, built in the 15th century by queen Leonor, it was later restored.
Later, you arrive on the main square, Praça de Santa Maria, dominated by the Santa Maria church. The inside is covered with blue 17th century azulejos. And its ceiling, with paintings also from the 17th century. In the church there are other paintings by Josefa de Óbidos as well as a fine Renaissance tomb.
The church was the setting for the wedding of King Afonso V (aged 10) with his 8 years old cousin, Princess Isabel, on August 15th, 1441.
On the same square there is also a Municipal Museum which contains statues, paintings, souvenirs of the napoleonic war and Luso-Roman and medieval relics.
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by Josefa de Óbidos |
Then we continue upwards to the top of the hill where
the Castle has been carefully restored and turned into a charming Pousada. It was the former governor's residence, it is a 16th century building. Those who want to, can take a walk under the covered way from where the view over the city and the surrounding area is magnificent. You can also see a 16th century aqueduct.
A little further from the exit of Óbidos, you fill find the do Senhor da Pedra Sanctuary, a monumental hexagonal church in baroque style, standing quite alone in the landscape.
You will also see cultivated fields and vineyards, because in the region they produce a very good white wine, called Gaeiras (from Chardonnay).
Several events take place every year in Óbidos. The most important are the Holy Week Festivities (recreating the steps on the Way of the Cross), the Ancient Music Festival in October and the International Chocolate Festival in November.
When leaving Óbidos, one goes back to the A8 towards Caldas da Rainha (8 km).
Not very far, going towards the coast, there is Foz do Arelho, a seaside village with a beautiful beach that is very popular in the summer and during the weekends. It has several magnificent beach spots between the confluence of lagoa de Óbidos and the Atlantic Ocean. One can choose between swimming and sailing in the calm warm waters of the salt water lagoon, or surf and swim in the colder waters of the Atlantic.
From Caldas da Rainha you can continue towards Nazaré (32 km). On the A8 take the exit to Alfeizerão (km 94) you will go through São Martinho do Porto, a small sea resort with a beautiful well sheltered beach.
