Exploring beyond Sofia
Menu
  • Bulgaria
    • Ecopaths
    • One place – two seasons
    • Southwest region
      • Blagoevgrad region
      • Kyustendil region
      • Pernik region
      • Sofia region
    • Thracian – Rhodope region
      • Gabrovo region
      • Haskovo region
      • Kardzhali region
      • Lovech region
      • Pazardzhik region
      • Plovdiv region
      • Smolyan region
      • Stara Zagora region
    • Danube region
      • Pleven region
      • Silistra region
      • Vidin region
      • Vratsa region
    • Black Sea region
      • Burgas region
      • Dobrich region
      • Shumen region
      • Varna region
  • Abroad
    • France
      • Lyon
      • Strasbourg
      • Toulouse
    • Germany
    • Hungary
      • Budapest
    • Iceland
    • Italy
      • Florence
      • Genoа
      • Milan
      • Pisa
      • Siena
      • Turin
      • Venice
      • Verona
    • Netherlands
    • Portugal
      • Aveiro
      • Azores
      • Braga
      • Cascais
      • Coimbra
      • Évora
      • Guimaraes
      • Lisbon
      • Madeira
      • Óbidos
      • Porto
      • Sintra
    • Romania
    • Seychelles
    • Spain
      • Barcelona
      • Valencia
    • United Kingdom
      • Aberdeen
      • Edinburgh
  • Guests
  • About me
    • About me
    • Contacts
    • Collaboration
    • Blog life events
  • Български
Exploring beyond Sofia
  • Bulgaria
    • Ecopaths
    • One place – two seasons
    • Southwest region
      • Blagoevgrad region
      • Kyustendil region
      • Pernik region
      • Sofia region
    • Thracian – Rhodope region
      • Gabrovo region
      • Haskovo region
      • Kardzhali region
      • Lovech region
      • Pazardzhik region
      • Plovdiv region
      • Smolyan region
      • Stara Zagora region
    • Danube region
      • Pleven region
      • Silistra region
      • Vidin region
      • Vratsa region
    • Black Sea region
      • Burgas region
      • Dobrich region
      • Shumen region
      • Varna region
  • Abroad
    • France
      • Lyon
      • Strasbourg
      • Toulouse
    • Germany
    • Hungary
      • Budapest
    • Iceland
    • Italy
      • Florence
      • Genoа
      • Milan
      • Pisa
      • Siena
      • Turin
      • Venice
      • Verona
    • Netherlands
    • Portugal
      • Aveiro
      • Azores
      • Braga
      • Cascais
      • Coimbra
      • Évora
      • Guimaraes
      • Lisbon
      • Madeira
      • Óbidos
      • Porto
      • Sintra
    • Romania
    • Seychelles
    • Spain
      • Barcelona
      • Valencia
    • United Kingdom
      • Aberdeen
      • Edinburgh
  • Guests
  • About me
    • About me
    • Contacts
    • Collaboration
    • Blog life events
  • Български
Abroad, Óbidos, Portugal

The royal city of Óbidos

posted by Dario
Aug 16, 2022 502 0 0
Share

The adventure of being a Portuguese #Óbidos

There, in the middle of the fertile lands between Lisbon and Coimbra, lies a town that stands out proudly for its authentic aesthetics and uniqueness. Over time, it has become one of the must-see destinations for lovers of history, beauty and… chocolate and cherries. The place is called Óbidos and is one of the most beautiful medieval cities in all of Europe!

  • For Óbidos 
  • Walk around Óbidos
  • Óbidos Castle
  • The special UNESCO status of Óbidos
  • Try the famous Ginja liquor of Óbidos
  • How to get to Óbidos?

For Óbidos 

The medieval town of Óbidos is one of the most picturesque and well-preserved in Portugal. It is located approximately 80 km from the capital on high ground near the coast of the Atlantic Ocean.

Óbidos

There are reports that the place was inhabited since the time of the late Paleolithic. The city continued to develop and expand during the time it was under Roman rule, but real prosperity came when Óbidos was chosen by the royal family as a bridal gift from rei D. Dinis to rainha Santa Isabel, in the 13th century. In this way, the city acquired its unofficial title of Vila das Rainhas (city of the queens), which ensured significant donations from several royal wives in the period from the Middle Ages to the 16th century.

Óbidos

Despite its small area, nowadays Óbidos can be explored in 2 to 3 hours. Although it takes less time to visit than other popular ones day-adventure destinations – such as Sintra, Cascais or Évora – the city’s real appeal lies more in its charming appearance than in the number of tourist attractions it has to offer.

Óbidos

Walk around Óbidos

Your walk in Óbidos will start through the main gate – Porta da Vila. It leads directly to the main street, which is lined with chocolate and cherry liqueur shops, but what immediately strikes you are the well-preserved ramparts and castle. For centuries, they have withstood the changing times and encapsulated the irreplaceable historical richness of the city. Therefore, today it is a real pleasure to walk in the interesting and preserved labyrinths of streets and white houses that distinguish Óbidos as a destination.

Óbidos

Therefore, one of the best things to do in Óbidos is to get lost in the picturesque streets of this charming city. Wandering the cobbled, walled alleys is like stepping back in time. The whitewashed houses are decorated with yellow, blue and red stripes (directly representing the royal coat of arms), potted plants and hand-painted tiles.

Óbidos
Óbidos
Óbidos
Óbidos

Óbidos Castle

The city is built within the walls of Castelo de Óbidos (one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal) and is undoubtedly part of its charm. The Moors were responsible for the fortification of this medieval city, but the castle, walls, battlements and towers were reconstructed with some additions by various Portuguese kings over the years. The castle served as both a military fortress and a royal palace. Óbidos suffered significant damage during the 1755 earthquake, and its current layout is the result of extensive restoration work. A few years ago, after a major restoration, Óbidos Castle was turned into a state luxury hotel, so you can even spend the night here or have dinner in the restaurant.

Óbidos

The medieval Óbidos Castle is quite impressive to look at, but the main highlight is the panoramic view from the top of the castle walls. The walls encircle the entire city (the route is about 1.5 km) and in some places reach up to 13 meters high. As Óbidos is on a hill in the middle of fertile farmland and close to the Atlantic coast, the views are absolutely amazing, especially during sunset. Be aware, however, that the stairs leading up to the walls have seen better days, and as the route along the Óbidos walls is narrow and worn at times and has no handrails, you must be extremely careful.

Óbidos
Óbidos
Óbidos
Обидуш
Óbidos
Óbidos
Óbidos
Óbidos

The special UNESCO status of Óbidos

Óbidos has been declared as Creative City of Literature and is part of the UNESCO City of Literature Program and the Creative Cities Network, focusing on honoring creative cities around the world. The cultural association Vila Literária de Óbidos was created to focus on literature, art, photography and design.

Although Óbidos has just over 3,000 inhabitants, it has more than half a million books. It’s fun to visit all the unusual places where books can be found. Livraria de Santiago is located in an old church. Livraria da Adega is a wine cellar turned into a bookstore. Even the post office in Óbidos is full of books for sale.

Óbidos
Photo credits: Óbidos Vila Literária

Try the famous Ginja liquor of Óbidos

If you come from Lisbon, you’ve probably already tried this delicious Portuguese liqueur. However, Ginja or Ginjinha, is a specialty originating from Óbidos. Jinja is made from sour cherries, alcohol, sugar and spices such as cinnamon and cloves. Ginja Obidos is made from local sour cherries that have been pickled for a year! In Óbidos, the liquor is served in a small chocolate cup, the perfect companion.

Óbidos
Photo credits: Pinterest

How to get to Óbidos?

The journey from Lisbon to Óbidos is 85 km away and takes a little over an hour depending on the transport you use.

By Bus: Traveling by bus is an efficient and convenient option that takes an hour to reach Óbidos. The bus departs from Campo Verde station, which is easily accessible by the green and yellow metro lines.

By car: Driving is easy, with the fastest route taking just over an hour on the A8 motorway, which is a toll road. Driving within the city walls is not allowed, so keep that in mind.

By Train: Traveling by train is an option, but it is not the fastest option as the travel time takes around 2 and a half hours

Óbidos is the perfect day trip destination if you’re looking for an authentic Portuguese experience with an atmosphere far removed from the hustle and bustle of the cities. This medieval corner will show you a different view of Portugal’s tradition, love and art.

 

Share

Previous

One-day trip to Évora

Next

Why visit Portugal?

About me

Travel Blogger

Dario Dionisi



If you want to know something more about me – my soul is a traveler, my origin is Italian and my true essence is a faithful friend. I am always open to new ideas and will be very happy if you want to contact me at dario@beyondsofia.com

Subscribe

Be with me in every adventure!

* indicates required

legenddario

Dario • Exploring beyond Sofia
Grateful to had the opportunity to go to so many p Grateful to had the opportunity to go to so many places this year, sharing some of my favourite snaps of #2022 , can’t wait to see what adventures are awaiting me during 2023 🤩

#yearoftravel #europe
Oh my god, is it already the end of the year! This Oh my god, is it already the end of the year! This year was full with surprises from our beautiful planet. In this video I gathered some of my most favourite nature spots and moments that I had the luck to record. And seriously there is no better caption to describe them than OH MY GOD 🤩

#ourplanet #ohmygod #momentsthatmatter
Life edition #2022 Life edition #2022
Welcome to the Vaticans wonders ✨ #Vatican #mus Welcome to the Vaticans wonders ✨

#Vatican #museum #wonders
The eternal city slaying since 751 BC #Rome #Ital The eternal city slaying since 751 BC

#Rome #Italy #eternalcity
“Good afternoon passengers. This is your captain “Good afternoon passengers. This is your captain speaking. I’d like to welcome everyone on Rightwing Flight 86A. We are currently cruising at an altitude of 10.000 km above sea level at an airspeed of 645 km per hour. The time is 3:25 pm. The weather looks good and with the tailwind on our side we are expecting to land in Rome approximately fifteen minutes ahead of schedule. I’ll talk to you again before we reach our destination. Until then, sit back, relax and enjoy the rest of the flight.„

#Rome #Italy #fly
Golden Athens since 508 BC #Greece #Athens #Sunse Golden Athens since 508 BC

#Greece
#Athens
#Sunset
Living the Ancient Greek way | Series two Let’s Living the Ancient Greek way | Series two

Let’s be honest, living during the ancient times of Greece was probably cool.

They had so many different and creative crafts that most of them we can witness until nowadays.

A good example for this is the new museum of the Acropolis. A modern building representing the exactly same proportions of the Parthenonas.

In the museum you can see fundamental artefacts picturing the believes and life from ancient times.

But probably the best part for me was the chance to see by myself all the perfect details crafted on different surfaces.

#Greece
#Athens
#History
Living the Ancient Greek way | Series one The hil Living the Ancient Greek way | Series one

The hill of Acropolis
- Parthenon since 432 BC
- Erechtheion since 406 BC
- Theatre of Dionysus since 520 BC

#Greek
#Ancient
#History
Load more Follow me
Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy

You Might Also Like

Abroad, Guimaraes, Portugal
Mar 23, 2021

Guimaraes, the first capital of Portugal

The adventure of being Portuguese #Guimaraes Guimaraes, a city I had never heard of before, but with my stay in...

Read More
0 0
Abroad, Madeira, Portugal
Jul 5, 2022

Madeira – Day Two

The adventure of being a Portuguese #Madeira 2 Madeira has an extremely diverse, majestic, and beautiful...

Read More
0 0

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Copyrights © 2023 Exploring beyond Sofia. All Rights Reserved
Back top
 

Loading Comments...