There are many things to do in Obidos and tour agencies in Lisbon organise day trips, but it’s actually a really easy trip to do independently. You’ll have the best views and will take the best photos, but do watch your every step. Admire Obidos Castle. Obidos is one of the most popular and most known tourist destinations in Portugal.Very short distance from Lisbon (1h approx), Obidos is one of the most interesting medieval villages in the country. The central wing is three-stories high, with the two floors in the east over the cliffs. [1] In the third floor is the formal dining and living rooms, with the kitchen and bedrooms. Explore Obidos castle, walk the walls, and enjoy its charm! Obidos is the finest example of a Portuguese walled town, and is one of the best tourist destinations of the Lisbon region. Castelo de los Mouros is a Moorish fort located on a steep hill … The castle and the entire urban area of Óbidos are reclassified as a National Monument by governmental decree published on 5 January 1951. Building, Forest. [1], Principle view of the Castle of Óbidos and Palace of the Alcalde, Castle of Monforte (Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo), https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Castle_of_Óbidos&oldid=992680146, Buildings and structures in Óbidos, Portugal, Articles containing Portuguese-language text, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, ENATUR SA (DL 622/76, 4 August 1976) and group dispatch from the, Masonry, AdobeCantaria, Tile, Wood, Ceramics, Glass, Iron, This page was last edited on 6 December 2020, at 15:16. [1] The two towers that flank the southern facade, of various dimensions and heights, are finished in pentagonal merlons (the tower of D. Fernando) and pyramids (the tower of D. Dinis), and were adapted into rooms. [1] The settlement and castle maintained their loyalty to King D. Sancho II (1223–48), during the crisis, resisting victoriously the assaults of forces loyal to the Count of Bologna, future King D. Afonso III (1248–1279). [1] It is reinforced in the north by three semi-circular and rectangular corbels; in the east and west of the wall by rectangular corbels, known as the towers of D. Dinis and D. Fernando; to the south by two semi-circular corbels, one with machillitions; and a barbican in the north and west. The mediaeval town of Óbidos is one of the most picturesque and well preserved in Portugal.Quite close to the capital and located on high ground near the Atlantic coast, Óbidos has had a strategic … Many visitors walk along the 13m-high battlements, which encircle the entire town for about 1.5km, for panoramic views. I stayed at the Casa de Fontanerio de Obidos just outside the wall. Archeological surveys later resulted in the discovery of a forum, baths and other Roman structures near the settlement. The castle now houses a pousada. The dungeons were later expanded and the keep tower ( the Torre de D. Fernando or D. Fernando Tower) constructed by the Queen. Obidos has been inhabited for ages since the early Celt tribes, and also Phoenicians. Along the wall dividing the two courtyards is a gentle, rectangular arch, known as the tower of Albarrã. Their ceremony overlooked the charming Portuguese town of Óbidos … This walled city is small, but there is still plenty to see, do, and eat in Obidos. The settlement progressively expanded from this point, followed by the fortifications, integrating such structures as the Torre Atalaia (situated in the south). Aside from the obvious castle and walls, there are other architectural features to admire in Óbidos. [1], The first floor is the service floor, the second the reception area, and a bar in the eastern corp, while the remaining wings are taken-up by bedrooms. You have probably heard a lot about many charming and picturesque villages in Portugal, Óbidos is one of the most alluring of them all. This Pousada is of enormous historical importance and includes medieval features from the 9th century. A settlement started building to the west and southern part of the castle within the walls sometime in the 15th century. The main building where the Portuguese king slept when he was in town is now a hotel, after major restoration of the entire construction starting in 1932. Pousada Castelo de Obidos. In the whitewashed former palace (now the hotel), you can see Manueline (late Portuguese Gothic) windows from the 1500s and the royal coat of arms above a portal -- practically the only things that survived an earthquake in 1755, which left the building almost completely in ruins. The medieval walled town of Óbidos, Portugal is a delightful place to visit. [1][4] Also at this time, the Albarra tower was converted into a jail, when the walls were reformulated by King Sancho I. The castle… The Pousada do Castelo de Óbidos is located in Vila de Óbidos and is one of the 7 wonders of Portugal.This Pousada is of enormous historical importance and includes medieval features from the 9 th century. This line of walls is broken by the Cerca Gate, Talhada Gate and the watchtower of Jogo da Bola, terminating in the southwest by the Facho Tower. Like many traditional Portuguese towns, Óbidos Portugal features narrow cobblestoned labyrinth streets, an emblematic castle … See your transportation options. Although you may not see the interior unless you’re staying at the hotel, you may see the small terrace and garden. Óbidos had its foundation in the existence of a fortified settlement, likely over the Luso-Roman castro[1] and Roman oppidum (then civitas) on the hilltop, that was the mysterious Eburobrittium,[2] once cited by Pliny the Elder as being situated between Collipo (present-day Golpilheira near Leiria) and Olisipo (Lisbon). Praça de Santa Maria. During the 1755 Lisbon earthquake the castle suffered structural damage. [1] The perimeter of the walls, reinforced by square and cylindrical plant towers, extends 1,565 metres (5,135 ft) and completely covered by a battlement defended by crenellated parapet. Castelo de Óbidos (Obidos Castle) The Castelo de Óbidos is a classic medieval castle, with solid stone walls, an impregnable keep and defensive battlements. Exterior of the Óbidos pousada in Portugal. The Castle of Óbidos (Portuguese: Castelo de Óbidos) is a well-preserved medieval castle located in the civil parish of Santa Maria, São Pedro e Sobral da Lagoa, in the municipality of Óbidos, Oeste portuguese region. Why Visit Óbidos. Behind the castle is a large terrace referred to as “Old Arms Square,” where the town’s main festivals usually take place. It offers some wonderful views over the surrounding countryside. Also, since there are no handrails and the path is well worn and with multiple trip hazards, it can be a nail-biting experience and not recommended for children. What to see in Obidos – Architectural highlights . It’s not everyday we get to feature a wedding in a castle, so Clarice and Adelino’s medieval-inspired wedding at Pousada Castelo de Óbidos is making our hearts flip today! Perched on a hill rising out of an agricultural plain, Óbidos is one of Portugal’s picturesque gems. The municipality is also home to the famous Praia D'el Rey golf complex, one of the top golf resorts in Europe, and Royal Óbidos - Spa & Golf Resort. Historically, Obidos was presented to the Queen of Portugal on her wedding day, … Óbidos remains a well-preserved example of medieval architecture; its streets, squares, walls and its castle are a popular tourist destination. [1] The spaces were decorated in order to transform it into the Pousada do Castelo, with many of the furniture designed by architects Fernando Augusto Peres de Guimarães andLuís Benavente, with the collaboration made by Leonardo Castro Freire. Also, we'll share with you where to stay within the city walls of Óbidos! [1], During the context of the Peninsular War, the fortification in Óbidos fired the first artillery rounds in the Battle of Roliça (1808) that resulted in the first defeat of Napoleonic forces. Óbidos Castle - 2021 Tourist Guide - OBIDOS Portugal TOURISM Castle of the Moors. [1] In 1842, the Albarrã tower was transformed into a clocktower. See my full review on my article about Portugal Accommodations or check directly for availability and prices; LUXURY AND HISTORY - a fantastic option is of course to stay in the Obidos Castle Hotel i.e. This luxury Hotel in Obidos is housed within the town’s 12th century medieval castle, which is considered one of the 7 marvels of Portugal … Those planning a lavish … The Pousada do Castelo de Obidos is located in Vila de Obidos and is one of the 7 wonders of Portugal. Allow some time to potter around the square in front of the church, as there … Over the door that connects the two courtyards is a passageway that connects the palace and the Church of Santiago. The imposing walls of the castle in Óbidos Portugal Hotel & Hostel Accommodation. King John II's successor, Manuel I donated to the town a foral in 1513, resulting in improvements to both the town and castle. Obidos' castle dates back to Portugal’s Roman occupation, but its current layout is Moorish and the result of restorations and reconstructions from different Portuguese kings, starting in 1148. The castle … Obidos, Portugal is a lovely old castle town just an hour from Lisbon so perfect for a day trip. … [1] At the top of the second floor staircase is an arched doorway surmounted by flanked armillary spheres and central coat-of-arms; the staircase connects the doorway to the eastern, second floor and the door of the 3rd central floor. The area of the town of Óbidos is located on a hilltop, encircled by a fortified wall. The castle as it exists today dates to King Denis’s rule and has been named one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal. Óbidos has one of Portugal’s greatest medieval castles. In 1869, the construction of the castle was slightly altered, but without any damage to the previous style. In some places, the walls tower 13 metres (43 ft) high. Sancho's son and successor, King D. Afonso II (1211–23), donated the settlement and its castle to his wife, D. Urraca (in 1210). Obidos Portugal is a medieval village just an hour bus ride from Lisbon. Construction on an exterior staircase access to the D. Fernando Tower occurred in 1869. [1], The enclosed courtyard in the form of an irregular triangle plan, encircled by square merlons with sills and battlements. The castle … The Ultimate Guide to Things to Do in Óbidos, Portugal. Find Óbidos Castle in the north. That’s probably the main tourist activity, but if you have mobility issues or if you suffer from vertigo, that’s not advisable. During the Christian Reconquista, forces under the first Portuguese king Afonso I (1112–1185) defeated the settlement's defenses through a ruse, on 10 January 1148. [1] During the reign of King D. John II (1481–1495), Queen Leonor selected the settlement and castle to reside following the death of her son, the Infante D. Afonso, opting for the thermal waters of the region for treatments necessary during her later life. A traditional stone-walled medieval castle on a hill, Obidos Castle has been around since the Moorish era. [5] Donated as a wedding gift to D. Denis (1279–1325) and Queen Elizabeth during their stay, the town began to figure into the property/possessions of all successive Queens of Portugal as of 1834. [1], From 1932, the town saw the first interventions of consolidation, reconstruction and restoration by the Direcção-Geral dos Edifícios e Monumentos Nacionais (Directorate-General for National Monuments and Buildings). [1] This resistance resulted in the epitaph of mui nobre e sempre leal (very noble and ever loyal), that figured into the municipal coat-of-arms. Obidos is an excellent example of medieval architecture – its beautiful squares, narrow streets, walled fortress and castle are a popular tourist destination. The area was later settled by the Lusitanos (since the 4th century BC) and Romans in the first century, but later occupied by Visigoths during the 5th and 6th century and Muslims, who were responsible for fortifying the town in the 8th century. Archeological surveys later resulted in the discovery of a forum, baths and other Roman structures near the settlement. This looming building looks like it came straight from an ancient legend. Decide where to stay. A castle has stood at the top of Obidos … In 1842, the tower which was a prison became the clock tower. [1] But, after many years of abandon, in 1948, the castle was transformed into a pousada, under a project developed by João Filipe Vaz Martins. Look for the earliest parts of the castle, which date back to the 12th century. [1] The alcade also worked on improving the walls. [1], Built by Queen Catherine of Austria, wife of King John III (1521–1557), a 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) aqueduct was constructed to carry water from the mountains of Usseira to Óbidos, supplying the fountains of the town. A former colony of Portugal, Obidos is a village located on the Atlantic coast (also known as the Silver Coast) and founded by Celtic tribes. As part of the construction, a connection was made between the dungeons and the Church of Santiago gallery. Further research found evidence of Roman presence in this region of Obidos. [1] The doors of the palace on the first floor are surmounted by Gothic arches, on the second by rectangular friezes, with two windows with double, polycentric arches and twin panel, with iron balcony. Plan what to see and do. Not only is it one of Europe's best-preserved medieval villages, it’s the best example of a traditional Portuguese village.In 1951 the castle and the entire village were classified as national monuments and, in 2007, it was voted one of the seven wonders of Portugal. [1][3] The first surveys of the castle were undertaken in 1153, although the castle was never completely conquered until the reign of King D. Sancho I (in 1195), as documented in the epigraph Torre do Facho. Visit Obidos in Portugal. Obidos Castle (Castelo de Obidos) The Obidos Castle or Castelo de Obidos in Portuguese has now actually been turned into a luxurious hotel and restaurant called the Pousada of Obidos… The main towers were built in 1375, and in addition to its military function, it also served as a royal palace. In the 1950s, it was turned into an upscale hotel. [1] From here the walls are irregularly adapted to the relief of the land along the northeast, inflecting towards the north and east, and reinforced by semi-circular corbels and the minarets of the castle. From its lofty centre one gazes upon expanses of vineyards speckled with whirling windmills and terracotta-roofed homesteads. Details about how to get to Obidos … [1] Óbidos and its castle were transferred to John (following his election by the Cortes in Coimbra as King) by Vasco Gonçalves Teixeira, following the death of his father and former-alcalde, João Gonçalves, in the Battle of Aljubarrota.[1]. The northern facade is coincident with the exterior wall, reinforced with corbels and marked by friezes and rectangular windows on the third floor, while the eastern face includes Manueline windows, similar to the southern facade. [1], Within the citadel, along the north face of the old wall, is the Paço dos Alcaides (Palace of the Alcaldes), whose access to the enclosure is affected by a high wall, reinforced by turrets, one of which is topped by a counter with boulders. Óbidos offers a range of accommodation to suit all budgets. Nearer, narrow cobbled streets, lined typically with whitewashed, bougainvillaea-draped houses, wind up to the walled interior; the name Óbidos … Óbidos had its foundation in the existence of a fortified settlement, likely over the Luso-Roman castro and Roman oppidum (then civitas) on the hilltop, that was the mysterious Eburobrittium, once cited by Pliny the Elder as being situated between Collipo (present-day Golpilheira near Leiria) and Olisipo (Lisbon). The Castle of Óbidos (Portuguese language: Castelo de Óbidos ) is a well-preserved medieval castle located in the civil parish of Santa Maria, São Pedro e Sobral da Lagoa, in the municipality of Óbidos, Portuguese district of Leiria. From the walls of the castle you can see the entire town. [1] During this phase, the Paços do Alcaide (Palace of the Alcalde) was reconstructed, by then alcalde D. João de Noronha. 3. The summer months of July and August are the peak … Thanks to King Enriques, Spanish … 2. [1] It took two years to concluded the adaptation of the medieval structure into a tourist pousada, by the Direcção dos Serviços dos Monumentos Nacionais (Directorate for the National Monument Services). [1] The old dungeon was restored and expanded by King D. Denis, while the barbicans alongside the main gate was constructed.[1]. [1] The castle's architecture shows elements of Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque and Manueline influences spread over two main areas: the Castelejo (current Inn Castle, or Pousada de Obidos) and the intramural district. One is the 16th century aqueduct outside the walls. The castle’s hotel is a unique experience, and makes it worth staying the night in Obidos: 1. [1] The building is designed in a "U" plan covered in tile roof, with the western wing shorter than the opposite wing. [1], During the context of the 1383–1385 Portuguese succession crises, the alcalde (against the wishes of its residents) allied with John I of Castile, resulting in an assault by the forces loyal to the Master of Avis (future King John). [1], The trapezoidal castle oriented to the southeast rises 79 metres (259 ft) above sea level and is situated on the extreme northwest of the walled fortifications. The area was later settled by the Lusitanos (since the 4th century BC) and Romansin the fir… 1 History 2 Architecture 3 References 3.1 Notes 3.2 Sources Óbidos … A Castle full of Life The town's historic centre is fully within the main local landmark: Óbidos Castle.It was built between the 12th and 14th Centuries and during that period it had major strategic and military relevance for Portugal… There are many things to do in Óbidos, and the town … The atmosphere was excellent and the family owning the guesthouse was adorable. [1] The Comissão para a Aquisição de Mobiliário (Furniture Acquisition Commission) was charged with acquiring furniture provided by the Fábrica de Móveis Aséta (in Porto), under concession of Paola Luísa Maria Oliva (Luísa Satanela). [1] To the west, is a line of walls that accompanies the mountainous cliffs, reinforced by large, rectangular towers. 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