Well, the answer could be why not? But "why not?" can also be the answer to all the reasons, and Óbidos goes beyond any reason!
Founded by the Celts and later taken by the Romans, the history of Óbidos dates back to the time before the birth of Christ! Obidos was still the home of the Visigoths and, lately, the Moors. In 1148 it was conquered by D. Afonso Henriques, first king of the newborn nation, called Portugal.
Óbidos is a time travel experience, a history class and a meeting plave for cultures. On a private visit with a group of Canadians, one commented that Canada being such a young nation is very difficult for them to find something as unique as Óbidos, a true medieval village. But the truth is that this reality can be applied anywhere in Portugal, one of the oldest nations in the world and the oldest frontier in Europe.
The visiting circuit should include
Óbidos Castle
Village Gate
St. Mary's Church
Church of Mercy
St. Peter's Church
Sanctuary of the Lord Jesus of the Stone
St. Martin Chapel
Aqueduct
And much, much more inside and outside of this magnificent walls...
Outside the village walls is the Roman city of Eburobrittium, whose ruins were found during works on the IP6 and IC1 road, but since they are privately owned, visits are only possible by appointment!
Óbidos also has a set of tourism support services with numerous restaurants, handicrafts, not forgetting the famous Ginjinha de Óbidos, a liqueur drink made from wild cherry.
Article written by Nelson Viegas
Portugal Tourist Guide Manager