Obidos

The enchanting Medieval village of Óbidos, encircled by walls, will amaze you with its endless beauty. This is why until 1883 Óbidos was exclusive property of the Queens of Portugal. A UNESCO Creative City, Óbidos is a paradise for book lovers from all over the globe. A literary town embellished by bougainvilleas, winding streets and colourful houses. Sweet like chocolate!

The enchanting Medieval village of Óbidos, encircled by walls, will amaze you with its endless beauty. This is why until 1883 Óbidos was exclusive property of the Queens of Portugal. A UNESCO Creative City, Óbidos is a paradise for book lovers from all over the globe. A literary town embellished by bougainvilleas, winding streets and colourful houses. Sweet like chocolate!

Óbidos, Medieval town

Encircled by a ring of medieval walls and crowned by the Moorish castle rebuilt by D. Dinis, which is now a pousada, Óbidos is one of the most perfect examples of our medieval fortress. As in olden times, the town is entered through the southern gate of Santa Maria, embellished with eighteenth-century azulejo decoration.

Inside the walls, which at sunset take on a golden colouring, one can sense a cheerful medieval ambience of winding streets, old whitewashed houses bordered with blue or yellow, Manueline embrasures and windows, reminding us that King D. Manuel I (sixteenth century) carried out major works here, and masses of colourful flowers and plants.

Things to see & do in Óbidos

Be sure to visit the Igreja Matriz de Santa Maria (Parish Church of Santa Maria), the pretty Capela de São Martinho (Chapel of S. Martinho) and, outside the town walls, the Igreja do Senhor da Pedra (Church of the Senhor da Pedra). 

Among the events that take place every year in Óbidos, the most important are: the International Chocolate Festival, FOLIO - Óbidos International Literary Festival and Óbidos, Christmas Town.