Obidos, Portugal: attractions, photos, reviews

A stunning country, where people respect the ancient traditions and appreciate the historical heritage, is not too spoiled by the attention of tourists. For several centuries, it has managed to maintain an amazing atmosphere and unique identity. In historical monuments that amaze the imagination, the remnants of former power are guessed, and travelers remember the eternal values. In picturesque Portugal, virgin nature adjoins the tourist infrastructure that develops every year, and no one can complain of a lack of impressions.

Fairytale City

Romantic Obidos (Portugal), which has preserved its historical appearance, is a unique place where every vacationer is immersed in the romance of the Middle Ages. In this museum there are only three thousand people living in the open air, hospitably welcoming all tourists, who think that they are in a fairy tale. It was this effect that the skillful restorers, who restored ancient buildings, achieved.

Present for the wedding

Obidos, founded by Celtic tribes, is one of the oldest in the country. For many centuries, it was under the rule of the Arabs and Visigoths, and only in the XII century the new ruler established here Spanish domination, which affected the appearance of the town, which absorbed the best from different cultures. Obidos (Portugal), which became the center of the country's commercial life, was nicknamed "a wedding gift", as King Dinisch presented it to his chosen one Isabella of Aragon on the day of the wedding in 1282.

Since then, the incredibly elegant pearl of Portugal has become a city of weddings, and newlyweds from around the world are hurrying here to legitimize their relationship.

Castelo de Obidos

Modern tourists are very difficult to imagine that once this quiet corner, almost unchanged since the XIII century, was an impregnable citadel. The powerful castle of Obidos (Portugal) was the main symbol of royal power. Water and food were delivered to the structure on the hill during the siege along the branched underground tunnels.

The local sight became a modern sight approximately in XI-XV centuries, and before that there was an ancient fortress, which, according to historical chronicles, was built by the Romans. After the collapse of the great empire, the Visigoths settled in the defensive structure. The Arabs who seized the city greatly strengthened and expanded the bastion, which played the role of the main stronghold. When the Moors were expelled from Obidos, the King began the reconstruction of a powerful structure that had become an impregnable castle, which was later recognized as the most outstanding architectural monument of the country. It was the monarch who ordered the building of a fence of hewn stone blocks.

Destruction and restoration of the national treasure

In 1755, the residence of the Portuguese monarchs, striking in the luxury of interior decoration, was completely destroyed by the strongest earthquake, and the stone walls were seriously damaged. The authorities of the country did not restore the castle, and only in the 30s of the last century a large-scale reconstruction began. On its territory there was a historical hotel complex, and every traveler who arrived in Obidos (Portugal), whose photo provokes an irresistible desire to be here, will find shelter for the night and will be able to transfer to the wonderful atmosphere of the Middle Ages. However, those who are not ready to give a fortune for living in luxury rooms will find more democratic options.

Often the castle that has changed its appearance, included in all tourist routes, can be called without exaggeration the most popular place in Portugal.

Annual Fair

Quiet Obidos (Portugal), girded with a dense ring of fortress walls, is declared a national monument. The picturesque town, with only two streets, supports the image of a medieval settlement in every way and organizes various events that create the atmosphere of past eras. So, every July next to the reconstructed castle are held fairs with knight tournaments and performances by strolling artists. Here you can buy for old coins that are exchanged at the entrance, various souvenirs, try local dishes, take part in fun contests.

Ancient Aqueduct

The main feature of Obidus is the complete absence of natural reservoirs, and the life-giving moisture is extracted with the help of water wells. The most ancient aqueduct, picturesquely looked, appeared in the XVI century on the orders of Queen Katarina of Austria. Having a length of more than three kilometers, it not only provided urban residents with fresh water, but also nourished luxurious fountains. This is a very interesting architectural structure, which is sure to visit.

Chocolate Festival

Annually in November Obidos (Portugal) accepts sweeties coming to the festival of chocolate, after all in the city there are several confectionery factories representing their products, which is made according to special recipes. This is a very colorful event, which has a rich program. Here, children and adults will find entertainment for themselves: they will try a variety of desserts made by experienced culinary specialists, they will take part in contests with sweet prizes, will appreciate the design of chocolate showcases and admire the skill of famous restaurateurs who have performed edible sculptures.

What else to see?

Drowning in the colors of cute houses and cobblestone lined narrow streets create the impression of an old kind fairy tale, which you want to capture as a memory. The picturesque Obidos (Portugal), whose sights are not so numerous, is proud of religious monuments harmoniously blending into the face of the ancient city.

The church of Santa Maria with a tall white bell tower was erected on the site of a temple built by the Visigoths. The real decoration is paintings on the topic of religious subjects of the artist, who lived here several centuries ago. Igreja de Santa Maria is the place where the wedding of the heir to the Spanish throne and Isabella took place.

Not far from Obidos is the Sanctuary da Pedra, made in the Baroque style. The hexagonal building was built after King Joan V, miraculously escaped death, ordered the church to be built as a token of gratitude to God. In front of the entrance to the most beautiful structure is a baroque fountain in white and blue shades. Every year, the Sanctuary receives many pilgrims from different parts of the world.

Obidos, Portugal: reviews

Traveling in a real fairy tale, which embodied reality, leaves no one indifferent. Miniature town, more reminiscent of the picturesque village, and remained medieval, and the special atmosphere that reigns here is remembered forever. Tourists notice the absence of the usual parking lots, and instead of them there are rings of hinges built into the houses of the residents. By the way, every dwelling is turned into a souvenir shop, because the city exists only due to tourism.

Only in Obidush can you taste the delicious cherry liqueur Ginjinha, which the townspeople pour into chocolate glasses. After the alcoholic drink is drunk, the edible cup is used as an appetizer. No traveler leaves without branded ceramic products, and the main theme of decorated plates, trays, soup tureen is cabbage.

Tourists who visited this quiet town assure that they have laid down their idea of medieval Europe.