ÓBIDOS

In the Iron Age, Celtic tribes established the first settlements in the area, later becoming a vital trading hub for the Phoenicians. Archaeological excavations near Óbidos have revealed remnants of the Roman city of Eburobrittium, described by Pliny the Elder. Dating from the 1st century BC to the second half of the 5th century AD, these remains include a forum, baths, and other structures. Abandoned by the Visigoths, who resettled to higher ground, Eburobrittium saw further upheaval with the Arab invasion in 713.

Alphonso Henriques' troops captured Óbidos in 1148, marking a significant milestone in the region's history. King Dinis bestowed the town upon his wife Queen Isabel in 1282, initiating a tradition where Óbidos became part of the Queen's patrimony, earning it the moniker "the town of the Queens" until 1834. Royal consorts frequently visited or resided in Óbidos, contributing to its development. The 1755 earthquake inflicted substantial damage, altering the town's Arabesque and Medieval character.

PORTA DA VILA

Porta da Vila became the primary entrance through the town walls after superseding the Southern Gate of Nossa Senhora da Graça in 1380. The gatehouse features a double-gated portal. Restored recently, the ornate ceiling between the doorways showcases a vivid depiction of Christ's crown of thorns. Inscribed with "The Virgin, Our Lady; conceived without original sin" (A Virgem Nossa Senhora foi concebida sem pecado original). It honours the town's patron, the Virgin Mary. Adjacent is Chapel Nossa Senhora da Piedade, adorned with 18th-century azulejo tiles illustrating the Passion of Christ on its balcony. These gates open into Rua Direita, Óbidos' main street. For visitors arriving by coach, Porta da Villa often marks the initial encounter with Óbidos.
Rua Josefa de Óbidos 2, 2510-001 Óbidos, Portugal | 38º 31' 21.3" N | 08º 59' 01.2" W

RUA DIREITA

Once you step through Porta da Vila, you'll encounter the town's primary thoroughfare, Rua Direita. Despite its narrow width, this street has served as the ancient Óbidos' main artery since the 14th century. Over time, the route has evolved, with original Gothic portals discovered in the buildings lining the street. Along Rua Direita, you'll discover a plethora of captivating shops, restaurants, and the pathway to the castle.


Continue down Rua Direita past the town hall, and you'll arrive at the main square, Praça de Santa Maria, home to the town's 15th-century granite Pelourinho (pillory), adorned with the coat of arms of Queen Leonor of Lencastre and a fisherman's net in homage to her son, with the royal heraldic stamp on the reverse side.

AQUEDUCT (AQUEDUTO DA USSEIRA)

The Usseira Aqueduct, also known as the Óbidos Aqueduct, stands as a testament to 16th-century engineering. It was commissioned by Queen Catarina in exchange for the "Várzea da Rainha" (fertile land outside the castle walls). Spanning nearly four miles from Usseira, the aqueduct is a prominent feature south of the walls. Initially flowing underground for two miles, it emerges meandering through vineyards and orchards. Serving a crucial function, the aqueduct supplies water to the town's fountains, including the one gracing the Praça de Santa Maria.

IGREJA DE SANTA MARIA

In the heart of Praça de Santa Maria stands the parish church, sharing its name with the square, and tracing its roots to ancient times. Initially established by the Visigoths, the site transitioned into a mosque during Moorish rule before reverting to its Christian identity following Óbidos' reconquest in 1148. Today's structure predominantly reflects 16th-century architecture, largely due to Queen Leonor's efforts to reconstruct the Gothic church.

Venture through its mannerist portal to encounter an interior adorned with azulejo tiles from around 1680-1690. The painted wooden ceiling, dating back to 1676, crowns the three naves, while the retable painted by João da Costa in 1620-1622 graces the altar. Don't miss the tomb of João de Noronha and Isabel de Sousa, a significant piece of Renaissance art, now preserved as a national monument.

In Óbidos, the local cherry liquor is an unmistakable signature of the town's culinary heritage. Widely available in shops, cafes, and bars, this cherished liqueur holds a special place in Portuguese tradition, with Óbidos being its esteemed birthplace. Originally introduced by immigrants who worked in the gypsum mines, the tradition of savouring a liqueur after meals quickly embraced the local sour cherry, evolving into the refined delicacy it is today. With its fruity aroma and intricate sweet notes, this liquor has earned EU geographical indication status. A recent trend includes serving Ginja in dark chocolate cups, a delightful combination celebrated in the town's confectioneries and desserts.

For a deeper dive into Ginja production, consider a visit to LicÓbidos - Ginja Mariquinhas, a renowned family-run producer. Explore the fruit's cultivation, maceration techniques, bottling process, and labelling methods, followed by a tasting session and the chance to purchase from their shop. Visits are by appointment only, offering an immersive experience into the world of Ginja production.
Zona Industrial Talhos Novos, Rua Sol Nascente, Fração A e B, Lote 6, Ponte Seca, 2510 - 701 Gaeiras, Óbidos, Portugal. N 39º 22' 13.1" | W 09º 06' 15.3"
+351 262 601 544 | geral@licobidos.com |  Website

Located just a short distance northeast of Óbidos, the Santuario do Senhor Jesus da Pedra is an architectural gem dating back to the 18th century. This baroque-style church boasts a distinctive hexagonal floor plan, a rarity in religious architecture. Designed by Captain Rodrigo Franco of the Mitra Patriarchal, the church holds special significance for King João, who commissioned its construction as a tribute to surviving a near-fatal accident, invoking Our Lord Jesus of the Stone.

Construction of the Santuario do Senhor Jesus da Pedra took place between 1740 and 1747, with meticulous attention to detail evident throughout its design. Inside, visitors can admire a Paleo-Christian cross dating back to the second or third century, sourced from a nearby chapel. The church features three chapels, each dedicated to different aspects of religious devotion, including the Calvary, Our Lady of Conception, and the Death of St. Joseph, adorned with exquisite paintings by acclaimed artist José da Costa Negreiros. A visit to this historic church offers a glimpse into Óbidos's rich religious heritage and architectural splendour.

Contact Details:
Largo do Santuário, 2510 Óbidos, Portugal.
39° 21' 23.00" N | 09° 09' 24.00" W

Portugal's largest lagoon system, spanning roughly three square miles, boasts an average depth of only two metres. Historically, the lagoon's waters reached the walls of Óbidos, but centuries of silting have pushed it five kilometres (3 mi) westward. Today, the lagoon's integrity is preserved through regular dredging, supporting various water activities and sustaining the local fishing economy.

The picturesque beach at Foz do Arelho, located where the lagoon meets the sea, is a highlight of the area. Its golden sands and tranquil waters make it perfect for sunbathing, surfing, paddling, and family outings. Along the seafront, a handful of cosy cafés and restaurants cater to visitors' needs, providing refreshments and local cuisine against the backdrop of the stunning coastal scenery. Whether seeking relaxation or adventure, Foz do Arelho offers an idyllic seaside escape for all.

Formally known as Estremadura, the Lisboa wine region runs the height of western Portugal from Lisbon in the south to Leiria in the north. The Vinho Regional Lisboa incorporates nine demarcated regional wine styles, including the Óbidos DOC. The red wine is soft, open and slightly scented, whereas the white is fresh with fruity aromatic flavours. Cool and damp terroir is ideal for producing sparkling wines found here in abundance. Labels such as:

Quinta do Gradli
(visits Monday - Saturday: 11h30 - 15h30)
Website

Quinta do Sanguinhal
(visits weekdays: 10h30 - 15h00)
Website

and Quinta das Cerejeiras are well worth seeking out.