Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
History & Culture
The origins of Obidos (which derives from the Latin oppidum meaning fortified city or cit-
adel) dates back to the Roman era, when a small settlement was based at the foot of the
elevated escarpment. At this time, the settlement and surrounding areas were linked to lar-
ger cities and contained numerous Roman structures. In the 5
th
Century, the settlement at
the foot of the hill was abandoned for the safety of the hilltop, where the village is found
today.
During the Moorish occupation of Portugal, Obidos was fortified and walls were built to
protect it. Reconquered by Afonso Henriques in 1148, the village gained its first charter
under the rule of Sancho I in 1195. Fifteen years later, the title of the village was given to
Queen Urraca, leading to Obidos being patronised by the Queens of Portugal and earning
the nickname 'town of Queens'. Throughout the Middle Ages the village prospered and
grew, playing host to royal weddings. The earthquake of 1755 damaged many of the village
walls and buildings, resulting in the destruction of many medieval and Arab architectural
designs.
© Wikimedia / Paulo Juntas
