Obidos is a pretty hilltop fortified village, close to the main route North, the IC1 and is a delightful place for either a day excursion from Lisbon or night stop over on the way north/south. Obidos captures the classical image of a traditional Portuguese town.

 

The small town has managed its retained its traditional character as new construction within the walled area is prohibited and no new dwellings have been constructed for over two hundred years!

Obidos traditionally was given to each new queen of Portugal by the king as a gift, this tradition originates from Alfonso II who presented the village (as it was then) to his wife. The tradition came to an abrupt halt on the removal of the monarchy in 1908 but Obidos still retains its informal name, Queens' Village (Portuguese -Vila das Rainhas).

 

 

Over the centuries Obidos has benefited from the royal status as each subsequent queen of Portugal has invested time and money to construct grand architecture in the delightful town. During the reign of King Dinis I Obidos was remodeled to include  limestone and marble and the castle was expanded to the grand size of today during  the era of Fernando I.

Obidos is best explored away from the height of the tourist season or early in the day before the coach loads of Spanish tourist arrive. The wall which encloses Obidos is wide and solid  and provides a pleasant walk around the town with views over the planes and out to the Atlantic ocean.

 

During the summer months the village can become crowded with bus loads of noisy Spanish tourists, so to best embrace the charm of the village a nights stay is recommended with a dusk walk through the traditional narrow streets. 

Within the fortified walls interesting sites/activities include:

• The castle built in the 13 century with its grand gates and solid towers, now converted into an exclusive hotel.
• The Igreja de Santa Maria (Church of Saint Mary) the location where 10 year old Afonso V married 8 year old Isabel in 1444.
• The walk around the town on the solid walls admiring the views out across the countryside.