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, is well 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:2 - 25 March 2012
Chocolate……. The International Chocolate Festival is one of the biggest and most important events organized in Óbidos each year attracting over 200,000 people. This year’s festival from 2 -25 March promises to be bigger and better! More space, more activities and more sculptures in Chocolate!
Each year visitors come to Óbidos for the sole purpose of enjoying of the world’s most popular element…..Chocolate! Besides trying different varieties 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 festival”
Holy Week of Óbidos
Date: 1-8 April 2012
Holy Week celebrations in Óbidos date back to the 17th Century, with impressive Religious Ceremonies being an major tourist attraction to this historic town in western Portugal. Other events during this week include childrens activities, concerts and exhibitions.
Baroque Music Season
Classical Music Dates :TBA
This classical music month is dedicated to the Portuguese composer José Joaquim dos Santos (1747-1801) and is promoted by the Town Hall of Óbidos and the Municipal Enterprise, Óbidos Patrimonium.
”José Joaquim dos Santos was one of the most important Portuguese composers of sacred music in the second half of the 18th century. He was born in Óbidos in the same place where the Our Lord Jesus of the Sanctuary is located. This classical music season intends to recover and divulge musical heritage written by this composer. All concerts and recitals must contemplate at least one of his work”
Mercado Medieval de Óbidos
Dates :19 July - 12 August 2012
This event has taken place each year since 2002/ Óbidos travels back in time to the middle ages and there is no doubt that this festival is 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 entertainment. Craft demonstrators and some 150 food, beverage and merchandise vendors recreate the customs and spirit of medieval times and visitors can enjoy a medieval style meal before, the afternoon concludes with four jousting knights on horseback.
If you would like an unusual souvenir, you can exchange Euros for a coin called the TORREÃO, which is produced especially for this event and is equivalent to the Euro. For half a dozen Torreoes, visitors can buy a little bit of everything from medieval clothing to shoes & Jewellery. Certainly one for your agenda during your stay in Portugal
Festival de Ópera de Óbidos
Dates : TBA
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 more detailsof this years festival
Óbidos Vila Natal ( Christmas Town )
Dates: TBA
Óbidos Christmas Town promises to host variety of shows from musicals to magic, appealing to all ages. Each year there is an original Christmas musical, ballet and a children’s theatre, bringing something ‘new’ to the Annual event held in the pretty walled town of Óbidos. There is sure to be an ice skating rink, an artificial ski slope, as well as a large carousel and inflatable castles. And of course the legendary Santa Claus will be there to delight the children.
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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