Óbidos Castle is an iconic Portuguese landmark and a must-visit for anyone staying in or near the historic town of Óbidos. Visit this splendid medieval castle and imagine the many important scenes from Portuguese history that unfolded here.
The site of the castle has passed through many different hands over the course of the town’s history. It was once settled by Romans, then in the 5th century it became the property of Visigoths. Visit nowadays and most of the features you will see date from the 12th century at the very earliest. Walk the paths around the castle and try to imagine what the view might have been like in those early days, when Portuguese royalty used this building as a retreat. The castle has been expanded and reconstructed many times during its long history, after damage due to earthquakes and battles.
The castle was most recently restored in the mid-20th century and now houses a wide selection of antiques and other historically significant artifacts. Stay here overnight and see these beautiful objects for yourself as you wander the lavish interior spaces. The castle is now a luxury hotel, so anyone with the budget can experience the extravagant life of the Portuguese royalty, at least for a few nights.
Look out from the hill on which Óbidos Castle is located and see spectacular views of the beautiful town of Óbidos below and the lush green countryside beyond. Venture down into the cobbled lanes of the town and make time to visit its many other fascinating historic sites, including Óbidos Aqueduct and the Igreja de Santa Maria, a charming 12th-century church.
From Lisbon, reach Óbidos Castle in just over an hour by car. See the striking exterior of the castle and its lovely grounds for free. Only guests at the hotel can see the rooms inside, but this remarkable and iconic building is worth visiting nonetheless as it is extremely impressive even from the outside.
