All of Óbidos has been declared a national monument. It is known as the "Wedding Present Town" because it was a gift King Dinis gave to Queen Isabel on their wedding day in 1282, but that alone is not what makes it such an extraordinarily romantic place - what make it one of Europe's most romantic medieval villages are its incredibly picturesque cobblestone streets lined with colorful houses filled with geraniums and bougainvillea, Gothic doorways and windows, whitewashed churches, flowerpots and dazzling tiles - all encircled by the walls of a 12th century castle. Scaling its 13m (45ft)-high medieval walls is the best way to admire this picture postcard-perfect place. Óbidos is a very small town and all of the major sights can be seen within in a couple of hours.
This delightful town was captured from the Moors by the first king of Portugal, D. Afonso Henriques in 1148. D. Dinis later presented it to his wife, Queen Santa Isabel. From then until 1883, the town of Obidos and the surrounding land was always the property of the queens of Portugal.
Also you will find a well preserved castle witch now it's used as a hotel, within the walls and a maze of streets and white houses that are a delight to stroll amongst. Along with the Manueline porticoes, the colorful window boxes and the small squares, many fine examples of religious and civil architecture from the town’s golden days provide a host of reasons for making a visit.
While I'm walking trough these walls I had a great perspective of the entire village and I stop for a moment and imagine how amazing would be living in there at that time, how kids could play and have a lot of fun exploring around.
This was a very interesting village, charm exudes from every corner of the streets of Óbidos. It is a very small place but yet huge in things to explore and love (colors, flowers, tiles...) for sure you won't be disappointed.
Post a Comment