The history, architecture and where to stay and eat inside this Grand medieval Obidos castle Portugal.
Adventure seekers can walk on the castle wall “promenade”, it is 10-20m high and spans around the village. It has roots dating back to the 9th century. This Castelo has beautiful views and on a clear day you can see for miles.
- Staying in the Óbidos castle
- Obidos Castle Restaurant
- The History of the castle
- Obidos Castle Architecture
- How to get to Obidos
There is also accommodation inside these old castle walls. Car parking is easily accessible. The public toilets are clean and free. There is a outdoor theatre and picnic areas used during festivals and more.
Some of the stairs around the castle walls are steep, and require attention so be safe especially with small children and elderly.
1. Staying in Obidos castle Portugal
The Pousada do Castelo de Óbidos inside the castle – a stay in one of the 7 wonders of Portugal. This Pousada is of paramount historical importance and has many medieval features from the 9th century. For you to enjoy are the common areas such as restaurant and bar, while experiencing an authentic medieval stay.
2. Obidos Castle Restaurant
Pousada Do Castelo Restaurant: This area has a strong medieval theme with suits of armour and tapestries adorning the walls whilst stylishly complimenting its traditions. The combination of regional dishes and fantastic Portuguese wines for you to enjoy at leisure.
- Sweeping views of Óbidos and its lush green countryside to be enjoyed from the outdoor terraces and restaurant.
- Owned by luxury hotel chain Pousadas de Portugal with interiors true to its origins. With modern rooms inside the regal walls and exposed stone.
- There is also a conference room available for those impressions to last.
3. HISTORY OF THE OBIDOS CASTLE
The castle was first conquered during the reign of King D.Sancho I in 1195. During this time the Albarra tower was converted to form a jail.
The old dungeon was then restored and the barbicans alongside the main gate was constructed by Kind D. Denis. These keep towers were built and the dungeons were later expanded by the Queen, they were then connected to the Church of Santiago gallery.
The People of Obidos and those of the Castle resisted the attacks of forces loyal to the Count of Bologna and the future King D. Afonso III in 1223 to 1248. This loyalty is now displayed in the coat of arms.
Settlements started within in the castle walls during the 15th C. The great earthquake of Lisbon in 1755 had catastrophic effects which even reached the castle and caused structural damage.
Many years saw the castle abandoned until 1948. João Filipe Vaz Martins refurbished it into the Pousada do Castelo. It was reclassified as National Monument on 5 January 1951.
4. Obidos Castle Architecture
The castle Architecture has Romanesque, Gothic Baroque and Manueline elements. It has an enclosed triangle courtyard. The reinforced perimeter walls extend 1,565m (5,135ft).
The Left line of wall is reinforced by rectangular towers with intervals show casing the watchtower of Jogo da Bola, Facho Tower, Cerca Gate and the Talhada gate. The walls can reach up to 13 metres in height in some places.
The towns water fountains built by Queen Catherine of Austria supplies the 3km long aqueduct. It carries the water from the Usseira mountains.
The U shaped building, Paco dos Alcaides (Palace of the Alcaldes) is on the north wall along the citadel. Gothic arches embrace the palace doors on the first floor. An arched doorway is on top of the stairs leading to the second floor, on either side are armillary spheres and the coat of arms.
On the first floor you will find the service area. The second floor is the reception and bar areas. The other wings on the second floor are bedrooms. The formal dining and living rooms, kitchen and more bedrooms are on the third floor.
A passage connects the Church of Santiago and the palace.
5. Get to Obidos
As Obidos is a little off the beaten track it is best to get there by road. Its a scenic drive from Porto or Lisbon in both directions. Driving there on your own allows you to visit the beach and all the sites nearby.
We rented a car for our journey through Portugal through Rental cars. Great service.
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