WELCOME TO ÓBIDOS

Óbidos is one of the most picturesque and best preserved Towns in Portugal.

Enjoying an excellent location near the sea and with the arms of the Lagoon reaching its hill, these lands have always been inhabited, which is confirmed by the numerous archaeological remains identified in the Municipality of Óbidos, from the Lower Palaeolithic through Prehistoric until the Roman period.

Within walls, we may find a well-kept castle and a maze of streets and white houses that enchant those who stroll there. From the secluded corners and gardens of the old medina to the presence of the Gothic, passing through the Renaissance and Baroque, the Town is an extensive work of carved art, rebuilt over several centuries.

When visiting the municipality of Óbidos, the visitor will find a diverse set of places to enjoy and activities to evolve, from cultural or outdoor activities, or even to a round of golf overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

Any time is a good time to visit Óbidos! For the love stories that are told there and for the medieval environment, Óbidos is an inspiring suggestion for a romantic weekend. And if you include an overnight stay in the castle, then the setting will be perfect.

With regard to local gastronomy, delight yourself with our fish stew from the Lagoon of Óbidos, and to finish the meal why not try the famous “Ginjinha de Óbidos”, a traditional liquor, which can be enjoyed around town, preferably in a small chocolate cup.

This historical heritage from other times, combined with the dynamics of today’s cultural programming, makes Óbidos a major tourist attraction.

A visit not to be missed! We are waiting for you!
 
HISTORY

TOWN OF ÓBIDOS HISTORY

  • Recent PrehistoryFirst archaeological remains on the hill of Óbidos

  • Classic antiquityRoman occupation in Óbidos

  • Late AntiquityPossible presence of the Suebi / Visigoths

  • High-Medieval periodIslamic / Mozarab presence

  • 1148 – On January 11King Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, conquers Óbidos from the Moors (Municipal Holiday)

  • 1195The first Town Charter of Óbidos is probably granted

  • 1210King Afonso II bestows the town of Óbidos to his wife Queen Urraca

  • 1246By keeping faithful to King Sancho II, Óbidos ensures the title of Mui Nobre e Sempre Leal (Very Noble and Always Loyal), a title it holds to this day

  • 1282King Dinis and Queen Isabel spend their nuptials in Óbidos. With the bestowal of the town as a wedding gift, it becomes part of the Queen’s dowry until 1834

  • 1422King João I signs a decree that changes the Roman to the Christian calendar

  • 1441The marriage of the Royal Prince Afonso (V) to Isabel (10 and 8 years old respectively) takes place in St. Mary’s Church

  • 1491Queen Leonor, wife of King João II, comes to Óbidos to mourn the death of her son, the royal Prince Afonso

  • 1498Queen Leonor founds the Almshouse of Óbidos (Misericórdia)

  • 1513King Manuel I grants the town a new Charter

  • 1527King João III institutes the teaching of Mathematics and Theology, in Óbidos

  • 1684Josefa d‘Óbidos dies on July 22

  • 1755The town of Óbidos is severely struck by the Lisbon earthquake

  • 1808The first gun shots, which started the Battle of Roliça during the French Invasions, are fired from Óbidos. Here, Napoleon endures his first defeat in the Peninsular War

  • 1834Extinction of the House of Queens

  • 1900 / 1910King Carlos hunts in the Lagoon of Óbidos with Rev. António Almeida, chaplain of Our Lord Jesus of the Stone Sanctuary

  • 1910/1950The castle walls are restored

  • 1973The first preparatory meeting that led to the April 25 revolution in 1974 took place in Óbidos

  • 2015On December 11, Óbidos is designated by UNESCO as a Creative City of Literature