Obidos Village

Welcome to the enchanting medieval village of Obidos. As you approach the massive stone walls that encircle this hilltop town, you are stepping back in time—specifically to a period where this village was so beautiful it was…

Before you even enter the village walls, your attention is drawn to the impressive Obidos Aqueduct, also known as the Usueira Aqueduct. Built in the 16th century at the request of Queen Catherine of Austria, wife of King John…

The Porta da Vila is the main entrance to Obidos, and it is a masterpiece of both military and decorative architecture. Like many Gothic-style gateways in Portugal, it features a double-staggered entrance designed to prevent…

Welcome to the Rua Direita, which, despite its name meaning 'Straight Street,' is a narrow, charmingly irregular lane that serves as the heart of Obidos. This street has been the main commercial and social thoroughfare since the…

The Praça de Santa Maria is the primary square of Obidos and home to the town's most significant religious building, the Church of Santa Maria. This site has a long history, having served as a Visigothic temple and later a mosque…

Located slightly away from the main thoroughfare is the Church of Saint Peter, another vital piece of Obidos's religious heritage. Originally built in the 13th or 14th century, it was almost completely destroyed by the 1755…

At the highest point of the village stands the Castle of Obidos, an imposing fortification that has guarded this valley for over a thousand years. Originally a Moorish fortress built in the 8th century, it was captured by the…

For the adventurous, the final highlight of Obidos is a walk along the medieval walls themselves. Encircling the entire village for approximately 1.5 kilometers, these battlements offer the most spectacular views of the town's…

As you descend from the walls and prepare to leave the village, take a final look back at the towers of the castle. Obidos is a place that 'time seems to have forgotten' in the best possible way. …