Located in a medieval walled town, they offer visitors a unique glimpse into the country’s past. The cobblestone streets wind their way through narrow alleyways lined with colorful buildings, creating an atmosphere that is both romantic and mysterious.
The history of Óbidos dates back to Roman times, when it was known as Eburobrittium. It then became part of the kingdom of León during the Middle Ages before being taken by King Dinis I in 1282 who gave it to his wife Queen Isabel as a wedding present. Since then, Óbidos has remained under royal patronage and its architecture reflects this rich heritage.
The main street running through Óbidos is Rua Direita (the “right street”). This wide avenue runs from one end of town to the other and is lined with shops, restaurants, and cafés where visitors can enjoy traditional Portuguese cuisine or sample some local wines such as Vinho Verde or Moscatel de Setúbal. There are also plenty of souvenir stores selling handmade pottery and jewellery crafted by local artisans.
For those looking for something more cultural there are several churches located throughout Óbidos including São Pedro Church which dates back to 1534 while at Praça da República you will find an old pillory used for public punishments during medieval times – now serving as a reminder of how far society has come since then.
Finally, no visit would be complete without exploring some side-streets off Rua Direita where you can find hidden gems such as Casa do Bolo Rei (House Of The King Cake) – famous for its delicious cakes made according to ancient recipes handed down from generation to generation – or simply admire stunning views over nearby countryside from atop castle walls built centuries ago.
