Óbidos
Photo courtesy of Meghan Gravel, Ontario, Canada
Once the wedding present to a Queen, the preserved medieval town of Óbidos, just over an hour’s drive from Casa Rosden and 80 km north of Lisbon is without doubt one of Portugal’s most interesting historical walled settlements. Often referred to as ‘The Wedding City’, the maze of narrow cobbled streets of Óbidos, with it’s whitewashed houses, framed in blue and yellow, create a sense of magic and the town,steeped in history, iswell worth the time to visit, during your stay in Central Portugal.
Photo courtesy of Meghan Gravel, Ontario, Canada
The most impressive building has to be the Castle which has now been converted into a Pousada. One can walk the perimeter walls than encircle the town and from this point marvel at the picturesque charm of Óbidos.
The Igreja de Santa Maria, in the centre of the town, contains a painting by Josefa de Óbidos, one of the finest Portuguese painters, and one of the few woman artists to have been given this reputation. Josefa, born in 1634, spent most of her life in a convent in Óbidos and another of her religious works, the painting of Faustino des Neves, the portrait of the powerful priest, is displayed in the museum inside the old town hall.
The town attracts many tourists to the several festivals it holds throughout the year. In August on one of the last two Sunday’s free wine is also on offer on ‘Tourist Day’!
International Chocolate Festival
Date: 4-14 March 2010
Chocolate. A magic word that takes on a special meaning in the small historic town of Óbidos. The International Chocolate Festival is one of the biggest and most important events organized in Óbidos.
Each year over 200 thousand visitors come to Óbidos for the sole purpose of enjoying of the world’s most popular element. Besides trying different kinds of chocolates and desserts, visitors can sign up for cooking courses and watch as national and intertational professionals and amateurs compete for the many different prizes promoted during the 11 festival.
Holy Week of Óbidos
Date: 28 March - 4 April 2010
“Óbidos continues to be a privileged stage for historical and religious celebrations. Evoking the Passion and Death of Christ, Holy Week attracts to the town thousands of people, Portuguese and foreign, united by culture and devotion.”
Records of Holy Week celebrations in Óbidos go back to the 17th century. This event has been one of the main tourist attractions to this historic town since early nineteen hundredths presenting some the most impressive religious ceremonies in Western Portugal. Besides the different religious manifestations (masses and processions), a complete cultural programme with children’s activities, conferences, exhibitions and concerts also complete the programme.
Mercado Medieval de Óbidos
2- 18 July 2010
Óbidos has been anually travelling back in time to the middle ages since 2002. This event is undoubtedly one of the most popular organized in Obidos.
Flowing vibrant banners and heraldic flags, wizards, jugglers, court jesters, wandering minstrels, musicians, mimers and thespians provide the vivacious merriment. Craft demonstrators and some 150 food, beverage and merchandise vendors recreate the customs and spirit of medieval Europe. The afternoon concludes with four jousting knights on horseback.
For half a dozen “torreoes”, the fair’s official coin, visitors can buy a little bit of everything from medieval clothing to shoes, jewelery, or even experience a “medieval” meal.
Festival de Ópera de Óbidos
31July - 21 Aug 2010
The Opera Festival is held every year and draws a large crowd to the many operas that have been staged there. It is a unique summer event in Portugal and presents some of the most popular operas of all time, always with stunning backdrops, of either the historic castle or the Lagoon of Óbidos. These include ‘The Barber of Seville’ and La Bohème, being performed this year. Click on the picture below for detailsof this years festival and ticket prices.
Óbidos Vila Natal ( Christmas Town )
27 Nov’10 - 2 Jan’11
Óbidos Christmas Town is a thematic event that will surprise for its originality, last year dedicated to the theme: “The Nutcracker”. This historic tale recreated Christmas traditions, offering a different perspective of the holiday season without forgetting its traditional characters, such as Santa Claus. The colorful houses and entertainment program will be the highpoint of the Christmas Events, along with the ice skating rink.
Ginja de Óbidos - Traditional Local Liqueur
Ginja de Óbidos is a natural handmade sour cherry liqueur of unique quality. It combines the wisdom and ancient traditions of Monks with the exceptional quality of the fruits from the Óbidos region. It is a richly flavoured smoothe cherry liqueur with a complex structure and a long bouquet.
Serve as an aperitif or a digestive after dinner drink. Best served at a temperature between 15º and 17º or on hot days, slightly chilled. May be used in cocktails and in cooking.
Carriage Rides
Carriage rides are available to visitors year-round. Horse-drawn carriages can be found lined up next to the tourist office where visitors can hop on and see the beauty of the region from a different perspective. The different routes available are: a ride along the aqueduct, the town of Pinhal, inside the historic town, Our Lord Jesus of the Stone Sanctuary, and the Roman City Eburobrittium. A carriage ride can cost around €30, but what price to feel like ‘Royalty’ for a while, as you meander through the picturesque streets!
Photo courtesy of Meghan Gravel, Ontario, Canada
Nearby is a large ‘lagoon of Obidos’ where you can swim, sunbathe or even hire windsurfing equipment. It is the largest sea-water lagoon in Portugal
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