Portugal Castles: Óbidos Castle
Óbidos Castle
Óbidos Castle, is the large castle that dominates the small and picturesque walled village of Óbidos in Estremadura.
History
The site of Óbidos Castle (Castelo de Óbidos) was occupied by the Romans, Visigoths and later the Moors, who fortified the town in the 8th century. The castle was taken from the Moors during the reigns of King Afonso I, and King D. Sancho I.
The original Moorish castle was further expanded and strengthened after the Christian Reconquista mainly by Dom Dinis and other Portuguese kings.
The castle featured in several sieges during its history in both the 13th and 14th centuries.
The fortress was also active during the Peninsular War (1807-1814) during the Battle of Roliça.
Paço dos Alcaides
The Paço dos Alcaides (Palace of the Alcaldes) within the castle is now a luxury, 4 star pousada, the Pousada Castel de Óbidos.
The palace has some lovely architectural flourishes such as its Manueline windows and arches. A passageway connects the palace and the Church of Santiago.
Architectural Features
The Castelo de Óbidos is mainly the work of King Dom Dinis and features high battlements, wide gates, towers (Albarrã Tower & D. Fernando Tower) and some grisly dungeons.
The former keep is now the pousada (see above).
Portugal Hotel & Hostel Accommodation
Óbidos offers a range of accommodation to suit all budgets.
The summer months of July and August are the peak season so you will need to book early to guarantee a room at this time.
Some recommendations are the four star Hotel Casa Das Senhoras Rainhas, the interesting, four star The Literary Man Óbidos Hotel and the three star Rainha Santa Isabel - Óbidos History Hotel.
Other places to stay in the town include the guesthouse Tree House, the Happy Home Óbidos and the Hotel Louro.
See a complete listing of places to stay in Óbidos
Featured Hotel in Óbidos
Pousada Castel de Óbidos
Paço Real, 2510-999 Óbidos, Portugal
Some rooms have four-poster beds, chandeliers and original stone walls. Facilities include air-conditioning, Wifi and restaurant serving delicious local cuisine.
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Nearby
Other places to visit in the Estremadura region of Portugal include Alcobaça, Batalha, Caldas da Rainha, Ericeira, Fátima, Foz do Arelho, Golegã, Leiria, Mafra, Nazaré, Ourém, Peniche, Santarém, Tomar, Torres Vedras and Vila Franca de Xira.