Portugal Silver Coast Property For Sale

Obidos

This enchanted hilltown with pretty whitewashed houses is enclosed within 14th century castle walls. Obidos castle, now a pousada, was rebuilt by King Dinis when he gave this fairy-tail town to his wife Isabel as a wedding present in 1282. At the time Obidos was an important Port, but by the 16th century the river had silted up and its strategic importance declined. It has since been restored and preserved as a picture-postcard town popular to tourists.

The entrance into the town is through the southern gate, Porta da Vila, who´s interior is embellished with 18th century tiles. Rua Direita, the main shopping street leads to Praça de Santa Maria. Here a Manualine pelourinho (Pillory) is decorated with a fishing net, the emblem of Dona Leonor, wife of Joao II. She chose this emblem in honor of the fishermen who tried in vain to save her son from drowning.

Opposite the Pillory is the church of Santa Maria, with a simple renaissance portal. The future Afonso V was married to his cousin Isabel here in 1441. He was 10 years old, she was eight. The inside of the church retains a simple clarity with a painted wooden ceiling and 17th century tiles.

Dominating the town is the castle, rebuilt by Afonso Henriques after he took the town from the moors in 1148. Today it is a charming Pousada which combines a medieval atmosphere with all modern comforts.

The natural beauty of the region is breathtaking! "Lagoa da Obidos"; Obidos Lagoon is Portugal's largest salt water lagoon and occupies a special place in the hearts of all Portuguese and is a very important part of our natural heritage. There are several magnificent beach spots between the confluence of Obidos Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean. One can choose between swimming and sailing in the calm warm waters of the salt water lagoon, or surf and swim in the colder wilder waters of the Atlantic.