Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Óbidos
Postcard-perfect Óbidos (OH-bee-doosh) sits atop a hill, its 14th-century wall (45 feet
tall) corralling a bouquet of narrow lanes and flower-bedecked whitewashed houses. Its
name, dating from ancient Roman times, means “walled town.” The 16th-century aque-
duct connecting it like an umbilical cord to a nearby spring is a reminder of the town's
importance during Portugal's boom century. Óbidos—now protected by the government
from modern development—is ideal for photographers who want to make Portugal look
as pretty as it can be.
Founded by Celts (c. 300 B.C. ), then ruled by Romans, Visigoths, and Moors, Óbidos
was known as Portugal's “wedding city.” In 1282, when King Dinis brought his bride Isa-
bel here, she liked the town so much he gave it to her. (Whatta guy.) Later kings carried
on the tradition—the perfect gift for a king to give to a queen who has everything. (Beats
a toaster.) Today, this medieval walled town is popular for lowly commoners' weddings.
Preserved in its entirety as a national monument, it survives on tourism. Every summer
morning at 9:30, the tour groups flush into town. Óbidos is especially crowded in August,
but it's worth a quick visit anyway. Ideally, arrive late one day and leave early the next,
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