Obidos - Silver Coast and Central Portugal informations
Castle of Óbidos, a wonder of Portugal
In Óbidos, we have one of the seven wonders of Portugal. The castle and their medieval lines count some part of Portugal’s history. Known by being the “Land of the Kings”, the council of Óbidos, that is about 80 kilometers from Lisbon city, is connected to the course of the foundation of the portuguese nation.
In 1148, Óbidos was taken from the Moors, by the first king of Portugal, D. Afonso Henriques. Since then, that place was declared one of the jewels of the crown of Portugal, not only by it’s vast patrimony, but also by the existent cultural dynamism.
But the relevance of Óbidos is not only that. The council counts with a vast historical patrimony, with monuments and tourist attractions, like the Door of the Town, Door of the valley or “Nossa Senhora da Graça”, “Rua Direita”, Church of Santa Maria, Church of São Pedro, Church of São João Baptista, Chapel of São Martinho, Church of the Mercy, Pillory and “Telheiro”, Church of São Tiago, Small chapel of “Nossa Senhora do Carmo”, Small chapel of “Nossa Senhora de Monserrate”, besides the Aqueduct and of the Sanctuary of “Senhor Jesus da Pedra”.
But the main mark of that council is the castle of Roman origin. It was conquered by the Christians, in 1148. Along the times, the castle was repaired and enlarged several times. In the century XX, was in total ruin, having been recovered to install the Lodging that is the first one of the State in historical building.
Nowadays, Óbidos and it’s Castle are some of the seven wonders of Portugal.
Óbidos is also known by it’s cultural dynamism. Several events try to remember a little bit the past of that town, like the Medieval Market, Festival of Operates, International Festival of Chocolate, Óbidos Town Christmas and Week Saint. Those are the great events that attract about two million tourists per year to Óbidos.
For who appreciates golf, Óbidos is an excellence destiny. For 10 years ago, one of the best fields of 18 holes of Europe was built, recognized internationally. Nowadays, we have five new golf courses being built in the municipal district of Óbidos.
But if you prefer to visit the council in the summer, Óbidos still counts with the beaches of “Bom Sucesso”, “d´El Rei”, “Cortiço” and “Covões”. We also have the Óbidos Lagoon, one of the most visited points by the tourists.
The council of Óbidos has nine “freguesias”: A-dos-Negros, Amoreira, Gaeiras, São Pedro, Santa Maria, Olho Marinho, Usseira, Sobral da Lagoa e Vau.
The Óbidos village is known by being one of the biggest attractions of Portugal.