Top 15 Must-See Attractions in Óbidos, Portugal

The enchanting town of Óbidos was granted to Urraca of León, the wife of Afonso II, in the 1200s, thereby becoming a residence for queens of Portugal. Numerous structures and historical monuments here were established or financed by royalty. Situated on a narrow ridge, the pedestrian-friendly streets are embraced by the towering walls of a medieval castle.

Visitors can stroll these charming alleys, visiting museums and churches along the way, while also exploring artisan shops. Subsequently, a trek along the walls offers breathtaking views of the lush valley filled with vineyards and cherry orchards, reminiscent of the watchmen who stood guard centuries ago.

Let’s examine the prime activities to experience in Óbidos:

1. Historic Óbidos

Upon passing through the Porta da Vila, individuals are welcomed by a picturesque historic town that resembles a film set.

The distinguishing feature of these houses lies in their authenticity, showcasing whitewashed walls adorned with blue or yellow accents, entwined with vibrant bougainvillea.

As you traverse Rua Direita, you may find yourself lured into the inviting side streets and stairs that lead to the town’s concealed nooks.

For those wishing to avoid crowds, an evening visit is advisable; however, for those who enjoy a lively atmosphere, wandering through the souvenir shops and selecting a charming restaurant or ice cream shop is delightful.

2. Óbidos Castle

Dominating Óbidos from the north, the castle, initially constructed by the Moors in the 700s, meticulously crafted the formidable city walls.

In the 1200s, the castle underwent significant renovations, making it progressively more suitable for the series of queens who resided within.

This location now serves as a pousada (heritage hotel), making it necessary to reserve accommodation to appreciate its interior.

Nonetheless, the battlements are accessible, allowing visitors to traverse the circumference of the walls protecting Óbidos.

This experience is indispensable, especially on the western wall, where captivating views of the town, castle, and expansive landscapes of vineyards and orchards await.

3. Igreja de Santa Maria

Shortly after Óbidos was reclaimed from the Moors by King Afonso Henriques in 1148, this church was established in the central square.

Much of the original medieval structure is no longer intact, largely due to seismic activity; following an earthquake in the 1500s, the church underwent initial reconstruction, resulting in its current Mannerist design.

The interior walls are nearly completely enveloped in tiles from the 1600s and 1700s, complemented by an exquisite retable from the same era.

The Renaissance tomb of João de Noronha, located in the Chapel of Our Lady of Mercy, crafted by French sculptors Jean de Rouen and Nicolas Chantereine, is a must-see.

4. Praça de Santa Maria

Allocate some time to wander around the square in front of the church, as there are several intriguing features waiting to be explored.

Among them is the pillory, which symbolizes the town’s independence, serving as a site for the punishment of offenders.

This structure dates back to the 1400s and displays the coat of arms of Eleanor of Viseu.

A poignant detail upon the crest is a net, representing the fisherman’s net that enshrouded her infant son after he tragically perished in the Tagus.

Beneath it is a 16th-century fountain, once supplied by the town’s aqueduct.

On the northern side, the Telheiro stands out, easily identifiable by its portico with six columns, formerly housing the town’s indoor market until the 1900s.

5. Santuário do Senhor Jesus da Pedra

This hexagonal sanctuary, located north of Óbidos, is worth a visit to view the stone cross at its altar, which features an ancient depiction of the crucifixion.

The cross itself, dated to the 2nd or 3rd century, has existed in this location long before the construction of this Baroque church.

Legend has it that Queen Eleanor of Viseu placed the cross here in the 1500s to signify the route to Caldas da Rainha, where she established hot springs.

Eventually forgotten, it was rediscovered by a farmer in 1730, subsequently gaining a following and leading to the church’s completion in 1737.

6. Museu Municipal de Óbidos

The legacy of royalty extends to culture and art, much of which has been curated at the town’s municipal museum.

Visitors can explore a collection of paintings from the 16th to the 18th centuries, featuring artists such as the Mannerists Diogo Texeira and Belchior de Matos.

Spanish Baroque painter Josefa de Óbidos, a favored artist of Queen Maria Francisca of Savoy in the 1600s, is also represented.

The museum showcases weaponry from the Peninsular War, a timeline of Óbidos through the ages, and an exhibit featuring artifacts from the excavated Roman site of Eurobrittium.

7. Lagoa de Óbidos

A short distance west of Óbidos lies the lagoon of the same name, which stretches for approximately four kilometers before draining into the ocean.

This picturesque body of water captivates along its pine-lined roads, but the primary tourist attraction is located along the coast.

Here, two expansive sandy spits partially juxtapose one another.

To the north is the resort of Foz do Arelho, while the south features a quieter community comprised of traditional fishing cottages and contemporary holiday villas.

At Praia do Bom Sucesso and Praia do Mar, visitors can alternate between the lagoon’s calm, shallow waters and the open Atlantic’s invigorating waves.

8. Porta da Vila

The southern gate to Óbidos features a modest Baroque chapel.

The origins of this structure date back to 1246, when a small oratory was established at this site.

This was erected following the town’s successful defense against a siege led by Sancho II against his brother, Afonso III. The current chapel, as it stands, received its altar, chancel, and choir in 1727, complete with azulejos on the walls and decorative filigrees adorning the ceiling.

These enhancements were financed by Bernardo de Palma, a magistrate from India, whose daughter is rumored to have succumbed to heartbreak due to unreciprocated love for a resident of Óbidos.

9. Igreja Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Óbidos

This church, established by Eleanor of Viseu at the close of the 15th century, is rich in artistic elements and luxurious fittings.

A prominent ceramic representation of the Virgin and Child adorns the entrance, produced by a Lisbon workshop between 1665 and 1680. The wooden doors, fashioned in 1623, complement the single nave, featuring geometric tiles in blue and yellow painted during the 1620s. Noteworthy is the ensemble of Mannerist carvings that encompass the tribune from the same period.

Dedicate a moment to admire two exquisite paintings by Baroque artist André Reinoso that grace the retable: The Visitation of the Virgin to Saint Elizabeth and the Pentecost.

10. Caldas da Rainha

This town is closely linked with Óbidos, and a brief train ride from Óbidos will bring you here in five minutes.

Caldas da Rainha (Springs of the Queen) was established in the 1400s when Eleanor of Viseu inaugurated a church and hospital adjacent to its therapeutic hot springs.

These springs continue to attract visitors seeking their healing sulphurous waters.

For day-trippers, the sophisticated 19th-century park adjacent to the spa is the ideal starting point.

The town features an informative museum dedicated to the naturalist painter José Malhoa. Moreover, Caldas da Rainha’s clay-rich soil has fostered a thriving pottery tradition since Neolithic times.

This artisanal craft remains vibrant, with numerous workshops and a museum showcasing works by the renowned 19th-century potter Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro.

11. Aqueduto de Óbidos

Catherine of Austria commissioned this aqueduct in the 1570s, intended to deliver water from a source approximately six kilometers away in Usseira.

The aqueduct’s endpoint was the Chafariz Real (Royal Fountain) located on Praça de Santa Maria, with half of its length traversing underground.

Servicing as the town’s main water supply for over two centuries, this structure was repaired twice, first at the conclusion of the 1600s and again a century thereafter.

The most remarkable section lies at the southern entrance to Óbidos.

12. Igreja de São Pedro

St. Peter’s Church, with its medieval roots, was consecrated at the beginning of the 14th century.

Regrettably, the structure succumbed to the 1755 Lisbon earthquake, which caused considerable destruction across the nation.

The one aspect that remained intact among the ruins was the exquisite gilt-wood altar, featuring a grand throne enveloped by angels, completed in 1705. Additionally, the tower and spiral staircase also date back to the original construction.

The remaining areas are quite simple, save for the tall painting in the chancel depicting St. Peter receiving the Keys of Heaven from Jesus.

13. Mercado Medieval de Óbidos

The historic home of queens makes for an ideal venue for a medieval market and fair.

This grand event typically begins in mid-July and extends into August.

The stalls are arranged in the upper town, creating a thoroughly atmospheric environment adjacent to the castle’s western wall.

Alongside freshly prepared cuisine, visitors can purchase artisanal crafts, including jewelry, scarves, pottery, and even novelty weapons, all amidst jesters, dancers, and musicians.

A designated area is also allocated for reenactments and jousts, showcasing skillful choreography and trained performers.

14. Ginja

Óbidos is abundant with souvenir shops, especially along Rua Direita.

When considering a purchase, opt for a local specialty—the sour cherry liqueur known as ginja.

This beverage is produced throughout the Lisbon region, yet Óbidos features a unique production method, where cherries are harvested from local orchards and allowed to macerate for a minimum of one year.

The resulting liqueur boasts a deep ruby color, requiring no additional dyes or preservatives.

It is commonly enjoyed alongside dark chocolate, traditionally served in an edible chocolate cup, creating a delightful pairing.

15. Festival Internacional de Chocolate de Óbidos

For approximately three weeks from mid-March to early April, a chocolate festival animates the streets and eateries of Óbidos.

Each year features a different thematic focus; for instance, the 2017 theme was “music,” showcased on Praça da Tablete, which hosted a tent highlighted by chocolate sculptures from master chocolatiers depicting illustrious artists like Michael Jackson, Bob Dylan, James Brown, and Madonna.

Live entertainment, workshops, demonstrations, and tasting events fill this square, drawing chefs and confectioners from afar to exhibit their culinary prowess.