Add a review about Castle Obidos

Castle Obidos can be called one of the most popular places in Portugal. It is not for nothing that this attraction is included in almost all tourist routes. The castle of Obidos is located in the homonymous city, which belongs to the district of Leiria. Obidos is called the "Wedding City", because many young couples choose this famous city as a honeymoon destination.

The Obidos Castle has seen many things in its history. To date, this place has two solid statuses - a national historical and architectural monument and one of the seven wonders of Portugal.

The Obidos Castle has seen many things in its history. To date, this place has two solid statuses - a national historical and architectural monument and one of the seven wonders of Portugal. The name of the castle dates back to the Latin word meaning "fortress" or "fortified city".

A modern fortress was built in the 12th century. It is worth noting that for many years the face of the castle of Obidos changed several times. Due to numerous wars, the owners of this land were the Iberian peoples, and the Romans, Visigoths, and Arabs. Of course, all of them made their own adjustments to the architecture of the building.

According to its shape, the Obidos Castle is a quadrangle, the length of each side is 30 m, the height of the towers is up to 15 m. The building is located at an altitude of 79 m above sea level and built in the style of the Manueline-national Portuguese version of the Renaissance.

Originally in its place were Roman buildings .The Romans erected here the terms - baths .However, in the 5th century, local governments seized the Visigoths .They started building a fortress here, and stones of Roman baths were used as a material .So the town of Obidos appeared .After a while Obidos passed into the hands of the Arabs .Muslims continued the construction of fortress walls .In 1227 g .The Arab Emirate became part of Portugal .The Portuguese have completed the construction of the fortress, adding even more defensive structures and the palace .The convenient location of the castle of Óbidos in relation to Lisbon explains the fact that the rulers of Portugal very often visited the fortress .There were all sorts of celebrations, the castle was almost never empty .

In the local church of Santa Maria there were ceremonies of the wedding of the rulers of Portugal. So, for example, in 1441, King Anthony V and Princess Isabella Coimbra were married here. At the time, they were only 9 and 10 years old, respectively.

However, already in the 18th century, the castle of Obidos was forgotten - it was abandoned and gradually began to deteriorate. The situation was aggravated by the Lisbon earthquake of 1755, which caused the destruction of the central palace.

Obidos

The first reconstruction of the castle of Obidos began only in 1932. Please note that today you can see authentic windows, arches and bas-reliefs. Inspect the fortress is completely free.

In 1950, a historic hotel was opened in the fortress. Part of the building is still occupied by the hotel.

Every year in the beginning of July, near the Obidos Castle, the Medieval Fair takes place. This interesting event can not leave you indifferent. Here jugglers act as torches, rope walkers, pass knight tournaments and much more. The choice of souvenirs is huge. In addition, during the fair you can try local food and drinks. Tourists are happy to rent medieval costumes and completely immersed in the fabulous atmosphere of the fair.

Every year in November the city hosts an international chocolate festival, which attracts lovers of the sweet from all over the world.

How to get here

From Lisbon, you can take a bus from the Campo Grande metro station. By train - from the station Entre Campos. However, it is necessary to make a transfer at the station Mira Sintra-Melecas.