Óbidos is one of central Portugal's most appealing destinations and makes for an ideal day trip from Lisbon.

Enclosed within ancient stone walls, this medieval town is a charming maze of whitewashed houses and winding cobblestone streets that lead up to the imposing castle. Óbidos is rightly regarded as one of Portugal's most beautiful towns.

Its fascinating royal heritage dates back to 1214, when King Afonso II gifted Óbidos to his bride, Queen Urraca. The pretty town became the traditional wedding gift for Portuguese queens, a custom that continued until the 19th century.

Despite its modest size, Óbidos offers a rich variety of attractions and historical landmarks waiting to be explored. This guide covers the key sights to help you get the most out of your visit.
Related articles: Obidos Introduction – Day trip to Obidos

Óbidos offers a wealth of historic and cultural attractions, most of which lie within the town walls and can easily be explored on foot. Key sites include:
Porta da Vila: The main entrance gate, featuring a beautiful chapel lined with 18th-century azulejo tiles.
Town Walls: 1.5km of walkable fortifications offering panoramic views over the town and surrounding countryside.
Ginjinha d'Óbidos: A sweet cherry liqueur traditionally served in edible chocolate cups, sold from stalls along Rua Direita.

Castelo de Óbidos: A medieval fortress with a rich royal history, now operating as a luxury hotel.
Rua Direita: The main street, lined with handicraft stalls and tourist shops.
Igreja de Santa Maria: The town's principal church, built in the Renaissance style and the site of a royal wedding in 1444.

Pelourinho de Óbidos: A 15th-century granite pillory standing in Praça de Santa Maria.
Aqueduto de Óbidos: A 16th-century aqueduct featuring 127 arches, still supplying water to the town's fountains.
Santuário do Senhor Jesus da Pedra: A striking hexagonal Baroque church located just outside the town walls.

Museu Municipal de Óbidos: An 18th-century manor housing local art and historical artefacts.
Igreja de São Pedro: A Baroque and Neoclassical church containing the tomb of the painter Josefa de Óbidos.
Capela de São Martinho: The town's only fully intact medieval Gothic chapel.

 

 

The interactive map below shows the location of Óbidos' main sights along with recommended dining spots. Zoom in or out to see all of the points.

Legend: 1) Porta da Vila 2) Town Walls 3) Castelo de Óbidos 4) Rua Direita 5) Igreja de Santa Maria 6) Pelourinho de Óbidos 7) Aqueduto de Óbidos 8) Santuário do Senhor Jesus da Pedra 9) Museu Municipal de Óbidos 10) Igreja São Pedro 11) Capela de São Martinho
Recommended places to eat: 12) Ja!mon Ja!mon 13) Nova Casa de Ramiro 14) Tasca Torta 15) Alcaide 16) Pontinha 17) O Melro
For a full guide to the sights of the wider Óbidos region, see this guide

Below you'll find more detail on each of these attractions.

The Porta da Vila serves as the main entrance to Óbidos; its unassuming exterior belies the beauty within. As you pass through, you'll find yourself beneath a chapel that straddles the main thoroughfare, its walls covered in decorative tiles.

This gateway, originally constructed in the 14th century, was rebuilt in the 17th century under the orders of King João IV. Look up as you enter and you'll see the king's coat of arms displayed above the arch. The structure was further remodelled in the 18th century, gaining its current Baroque style.

Inside, blue and white azulejo tiles from 1740 adorn the walls, depicting scenes from Christ's Passion. The ceiling is lined with coloured tiles representing the Crown of Thorns, creating a striking visual effect.

The gateway's design is as functional as it is beautiful. It consists of two small, offset entrances: a clever medieval defensive feature. This layout prevented cavalry from charging directly into the town and made it difficult for attackers to use battering rams effectively.

The Porta da Vila, the main gate into the medieval town

The 18th-century azulejo tiles inside the Porta da Vila

Have you considered an organised tour?
A guided tour can provide useful context on Óbidos' history while removing the hassle of navigating public transport. Tours also offer the chance to visit several locations in a single day, making them an efficient way to explore the wider region. The following options are available through GetYourGuide.com:

The town walls of Óbidos extend for 1.5km around the town's perimeter, reaching heights of up to 13m in some sections. These fortifications have a long and layered history, with their origins dating back to the Moorish era (8th–12th century). Early Portuguese rulers further reinforced them, but the walls you see today largely date from the 18th century, having been restored after the devastating 1755 earthquake.

You can walk along the walls from the Porta da Vila to the castle, and there is a second access point on the western side near Rua da Talhada. This western stretch offers particularly fine views over the town and surrounding countryside.

Until the 16th century, the sea reached close to the base of the hill to the west of Óbidos, making the town an important port. The silting up of the lagoon over subsequent centuries changed the landscape entirely.
Warning: Take care when walking the town walls. The surface can be uneven and worn in places, and there are no handrails.

The walls completely encircle Óbidos

The walkway is narrow and uneven in places

Ginjinha d'Óbidos is a sweet cherry liqueur and a local speciality. This traditional drink is made by infusing sour cherries (ginja berries) in aguardente (Portuguese brandy) with sugar and sometimes spices such as cinnamon or cloves. You can enjoy Ginjinha in two varieties: "sem elas" (without cherries) or "com elas" (with whole cherries in the glass). In Óbidos, it's famously served in small edible chocolate cups, a twist that has made it especially popular with visitors.

Along Rua Direita, you'll find numerous bars and stalls selling Ginjinha. A glass typically costs €1, or €1.50 when served in a chocolate cup. A bottle also makes an excellent souvenir.
Insight: Ginjinha holds a nostalgic place in Portuguese culture. Up until the 1960s, it was commonly given to children as a remedy for colds and minor ailments.

The Castelo de Óbidos is a classic medieval fortress situated at the highest point of the town. Its solid stone walls, sturdy keep, and defensive battlements have guarded Óbidos for centuries. While a castle has stood here since the Moorish occupation in the 8th century, the current structure largely dates from the 13th century.

King Afonso I conquered the site in 1148 during the Christian Reconquista. His successor, King Afonso II, expanded the castle in 1210 and gifted it to his wife, beginning the tradition of Óbidos as a wedding present to Portuguese queens. Under King Dom Dinis, the castle took on its present form, featuring a blend of Gothic and Baroque architectural styles.

The castle has witnessed significant events in Portuguese history. It suffered damage during the 1755 Lisbon earthquake and again in 1808 during the Battle of Roliça against Napoleon's forces. Despite these setbacks, it remained an important royal venue for weddings, coronations, and celebrations.

In 1951, the castle was transformed into a luxury hotel (pousada). As it is now an operating hotel, access to the interior is generally reserved for guests. However, you can freely explore the outer battlements and the main courtyard, which offer a real sense of the castle's medieval character.

The Óbidos castle, as seen from the inner courtyard

The Rua Direita is the main street of Óbidos, a bustling thoroughfare filled with handicraft stalls and tourist gift shops. The street connects the Porta da Vila to the castle and has served as the town's principal route since the 14th century.

It was widened during the 16th and 17th centuries, but many original Gothic features can still be seen within the whitewashed houses, including arched windows and narrow doorways. Look out too for the ceramic tiles displaying house numbers and street names, a charming detail found throughout the town.

Rua Direita is often busy with visitors

The Igreja de Santa Maria is Óbidos' main church and has a complex religious history spanning several faiths. Originally a Visigoth temple, it became a mosque during Moorish rule before being converted to a Christian church in 1148 when King Afonso Henriques captured the town.

The current building dates from the 16th century, rebuilt under the patronage of Queen Leonor after an earthquake in 1535 damaged the original Gothic structure. This reconstruction embraced the Renaissance style, marking a shift from the medieval architecture of its predecessor.

As you enter through the ornate Renaissance portal, you'll find an interior adorned with decorative azulejo tiles and Gothic religious art, reflecting the church's evolution through the centuries.

The Igreja de Santa Maria gained historical significance in 1444 when it hosted the wedding of King Afonso V to his cousin Isabel. This royal union, arranged for political reasons, was notable for the young age of the couple: the king was just 10 years old, while his bride was only 8.

The painted ceiling and tile-lined walls of the Igreja de Santa Maria

Josefa de Óbidos was the only recognised female painter in 17th-century Portugal and remains the town's most celebrated former resident. Born in Seville in 1630 as Josefa de Ayala Figueira, she moved to Óbidos at the age of four and made it her lifelong home.

Josefa established herself as a significant figure in the Portuguese art world, running a successful studio in the town and choosing to remain here even when invited to the royal court in Lisbon.

Her connection to Óbidos was so strong that she often signed her works as "Josepha em Obidos". Her prolific career produced over 150 pieces, with subjects ranging from still lifes to religious scenes. One of her most celebrated works, the Mystic Betrothal of Saint Catherine, can be seen in the Igreja de Santa Maria. She is buried in the Igreja de São Pedro.

The Pelourinho de Óbidos stands in the Praça de Santa Maria, a stark reminder of medieval justice. This 15th-century granite pillory was once used for the public punishment and humiliation of criminals.

The structure was a gift to Óbidos from Queen Leonor, who sought solace in the town after the tragic death of her only son in 1491. Look closely and you'll spot the queen's emblem, a fishing net, carved into the stone.

The Óbidos Pillory

The Aqueduto de Óbidos was constructed in the 16th century to provide a constant supply of water to the town. It extends for 3km to the southeast of Óbidos, with a further 3km of underground tunnels carrying water from the source at the Usseira River.

The aqueduct features 127 arches, some reaching 30 metres high, built with limestone blocks and no mortar. The project was funded by Queen Catherine, who sold her lands surrounding Óbidos to pay for the construction. The aqueduct still feeds some of the town's historic fountains today: a fine example of enduring 16th-century engineering.

The Santuário do Senhor Jesus da Pedra is an unusual Baroque church located just outside Óbidos' ancient walls. Built between 1740 and 1747, it is known for its distinctive hexagonal shape and pyramidal, green-glazed roof. Inside, the six-sided layout draws attention towards the stone crucifix on the altar, which gives the sanctuary its name.

Legend has it that this cross has stood here since the 2nd century. The church's grand Baroque façade and marble statues of saints reflect the opulent taste of King João V, in whose honour it was built.

The Museu Municipal de Óbidos is housed in an 18th-century manor on Rua Direita and contains a collection spanning several centuries of local history. Exhibits include sacred art from the 15th to 18th centuries, with notable works by Portuguese artists such as Josefa de Óbidos and André Reinoso. The museum also displays archaeological artefacts, Baroque furniture, and French and English weapons from the Napoleonic Wars.

The Igreja de São Pedro was originally a Gothic structure from the 13th–14th centuries but was largely rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake. The reconstruction blended Baroque and Neoclassical styles while preserving the 17th-century portal and bell tower.

Inside is an impressive gilded altarpiece and notable paintings, including works by João da Costa. The church is also the final resting place of the painter Josefa de Óbidos.

The Capela de São Martinho, founded in 1331, is Óbidos' only fully intact medieval building. This Gothic chapel features an ogival portal with three archivolts and a rib-vaulted interior. Inside, you'll find three tombs set in pointed arches, one of which is adorned with a sculpted sword.

A short drive from Óbidos lies one of the region's most unexpected attractions: the Buddha Eden Garden. Sprawling across 35 hectares of a former vineyard, it is the largest oriental garden in Europe and offers a surreal and peaceful escape. The garden was created by Portuguese art collector José Berardo in response to the destruction of the Giant Buddhas of Bamiyan in Afghanistan, intended as a tranquil space for reflection.

The grounds contain serene lakes, palm trees, and an extensive collection of sculptures, including giant golden Buddhas, an army of hand-painted terracotta warriors, and contemporary art installations by international artists. Buddha Eden is a 15-minute drive from Óbidos and makes a worthwhile addition to a day trip.

For a complete change of pace from the historic streets and stone walls, head to the nearby Lagoa de Óbidos. This is the largest coastal lagoon system in Portugal: an expanse of saltwater separated from the Atlantic Ocean by a sandy spit. It offers a refreshing natural escape and a glimpse into the region's diverse landscape, which once saw the sea reach the very base of Óbidos hill.

The calm inland waters are well suited to kayaking, paddleboarding, and kitesurfing, while the surrounding area is crisscrossed with scenic trails for walking and cycling. The lagoon is also a vital ecosystem, home to a diverse range of bird species throughout the year, including flamingos and herons. The Lagoa de Óbidos is easily accessible by car and well worth the short journey.

Óbidos offers a diverse culinary scene catering to various tastes and budgets. For a distinctive setting, consider Ja!mon Ja!mon, which serves generous portions of slow-cooked specialities under the arches of the town's 16th-century aqueduct. A Nova Casa de Ramiro provides a cosy, cave-like atmosphere and hearty Portuguese cooking.

Tasca Torta is well known for its chocolate cake but also offers fresh seafood options. If you're looking for a meal with a view, Alcaide's terrace overlooks the surrounding hills and serves local specialities.

For a special occasion, consider dining at the Pousada do Castelo, located within Óbidos' medieval castle. This former Michelin-starred restaurant offers gourmet Portuguese cuisine in a grand setting.

For better value, head outside the town walls to the Largo do Santuário, close to the Santuário do Senhor Jesus da Pedra. Restaurante Vila Infanta serves good, reasonably priced food and is popular with locals.

A little further out, 2km north of Óbidos, Restaurante O Melro serves traditional Portuguese dishes in a warm, welcoming setting and draws both locals and visitors.

Discover more of Óbidos and central Portugal with our guides