Nicknamed The Town of Queens because King Dinis gave it as a wedding gift to his bride Queen Isabel de Aragon in 1282, this walled city earned its name as this act began a long tradition of Óbidos being part of the Queen’s dowry until 1834.

Portugal is home to several charming walled towns, and Óbidos is known for its particularly well-preserved example, featuring a medieval castle and walls. Located just an hour north of Lisbon, Óbidos is definitely worth a day trip on your next trip to Portugal.

This fairy-tale town is much the same today as it was centuries ago. We were surprised right at the main entrance to the town, at the city gate, once we passed the Porta da Senhora da Piedade (Porta da Vila). The double elbow door was probably built during the reign of King Fernando, around 1376. It houses the oratory dedicated to the Patroness of Óbidos, Nossa Senhora da Piedade (Lady of Piety), executed in the 17^th century. The blue azulejos from 1740-45 covering the wall around the oratory really stands out, and the Portuguese music resounding beautifully between these closed walls transported us to a different world.

Once in town, we had to decide which street to take, as the main street splits. We chose to take the left one and followed the whitewashed homes with brightly painted trims. Several terraces and gift shops invited us for a stop, but since we love to wander along the narrow cobblestone streets, we continued our incursion. The peaceful atmosphere and the music we could hear at every corner let us immerse in a different time, in a different world.

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Passing by a museum and a couple of churches, we soon found ourselves at the foot of the castle. In front of it there is a Belvedere which offered us a beautiful panoramic view of the town and the surroundings. The Pousada Entrance took us to the back of the castle, where occasional or summer events take place.

Probably of Islamic origin, Óbidos Castle was built on the highest part of the hill in Óbidos, complemented by the so-called Cerca Velha (the Old Wall) and the Albarrana Tower (the Arch’s Tower).

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After the Christian reconquest, the city was taken from the Moors during the reign of the first King of Portugal Afonso Henriques, in 1148. In the following years it underwent expansions and fortifications by order of several kings. In the 16^th century, the Governor’s Palace was rebuilt, and in 1948 it was adapted to an historic Inn. We were only able to visit the courtyard, as it is not opened to the public unless you are guest of the hotel.

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Several stairs lead up to the ramparts and we were so eager to see the town from above. This is one of the best features of the town and found out they are in such great shape that you can actually walk on them, except where the castle is. Few towers in the corners add to the medieval look, especially the ones enclosing the castle. Walking the ramparts is not for the faint of heart, as some of the sections have a narrow path to follow. However, they offer great vantage points to see the charming white houses and their contrasting terracotta roofs.

We returned to the main gate using some back alleys and enjoyed our quiet walk along the eastern wall. We decided to climb up to the top of the main gate as well, especially since the music was still playing. I was so glad the player was still there; such an amazing voice and the great acoustics made his voice and songs so moving.  The walls are higher in this section and we were even able to climb up one of the towers. Great choice, as we were rewarded with more views, but different angles, over the entire town and the valley below.

Tip(s) of the day:

* There is a museum in Óbidos, which is closed on Mondays if you plan to visit, and also some places tend to close around lunchtime for an hour or two;

* Óbidos is also famous for their trademark Ginjinha da porta, or Licor de Ginja da Óbidos;

*you can get to Óbidos by train, by bus or by car. We arrived by car and parked the car in one of the large paid parking lots in front of the Porta da Villa;

* The perimeter of the wall is 1565 meters and although it can be easily walked, caution is needed as there is no protection or handrails.

~ visited in February 2025