Thursday 20 July 2017

Oh, this gorgeous medieval town

Since Sintra clearly didn't want us to see its palaces and we absolutely fell in love with Obidos the previous evening, we simply decided to go back there and see it in daylight.

Spoiler alert - sorry for the massive amount of pictures. I just couldn't resist posting them...


We wanted to see its white houses contrasted with the blue sky. We wanted to see its trees and flowers in their full glory. We wanted to walk the town walls and eat a delicious meal there.


We parked (again) at a huge car park just a two minute walk off the main town gate. I don't think there's any trouble finding a free spot at any time of day. And it was really cheap (the cheapest during our whole trip).


We went through the town gate. The one with Obidos' most famous azulejos. During the day, the town seemed much more quiet. We tried to find a free spot at a restaurant. Any restaurant. It was a real challenge. So that's why the town seemed so quiet. Everybody was dining. We finally made it. We were ready to explore the town a little more now.


The town is small. Most likely smaller than old towns in many major cities. So if you're planning to get lost in the narrow, cobblestone streets... it's not really possible to get lost. But it's gorgeous anyhow. The town is just full of its own, unique charm.


And there are plenty of narrow corners to see. You never know what you might come across, but it will definitely be pretty. At least that's how I remember the town. Peaceful, quiet, pretty.


 You can also always climb the town walls and see the town from a little bit above. Or just sit in one of many cafes and restaurants to breathe in the lazy atmosphere or happen to see a camel walking down the narrow streets (that's what we actually saw during lunch).


The town was set up in 4th century B.C. At least that's when Celts  started settling down in this place. For many centuries (since 1282, to be exact), the castle in Obidos was a traditional wedding gift from monarchs to their newly married wifes. The castle was also the first pousada in Porugal, that is the first historic building turned into a hotel (1950).


In 1755 a massive earthquake hit the town and destroyed it. Luckily, the town was rebuild on its original fundaments, with attention to detail, so it basically looks a lot like it used to in the Middle Ages. You can't see any signs of, lets call it, modern civilisation in the town, such as e.g. TV satellites. That's probably why the town is so full of charm. So unique.


If we ever come to Portugal again, I would definitely love to come back to Obidos.



But if you think it's the last post on a town I loved so much... Well, don't count on it. There's one more thing about Obidos that I'd love to share with you. And I'll do it soon.

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