Óbidos: Medieval Tales & Secrets Spots Guided Walking Tour

Óbidos, a picturesque Portuguese town, captivates visitors with its medieval charm. The "Óbidos: Medieval Tales & Secret Spots Guided Walking Tour" offers a chance to uncover this historic gem. Knowledgeable guides lead participants through winding streets, share captivating stories, and reveal hidden gems like the iconic Óbidos Castle. With a taste of the town’s traditional Ginjinha served in chocolate cups, this tour promises a truly immersive experience that showcases Óbidos’ rich cultural heritage. Discover why this enchanting destination has captivated travelers for centuries.

Key Points

• Discover the medieval heritage of Óbidos, a picturesque town known as the "Wedding Present Town" for Portuguese queens.
• Explore hidden alleyways, charming plazas, and historic landmarks like Óbidos Castle and the Museum of Saint John the Baptist Church.
• Learn about influential figures like Catherine of Austria, Isabel of Aragon, and Leonor de Avis who left an indelible mark on the town.
• Savor the traditional Óbidos Ginjinha, a local cherry liqueur served in an edible chocolate cup.
• Enjoy the rich artistic and cultural legacy of Óbidos, home to renowned female artist Josefa de Óbidos.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Óbidos Guided Walking Tour provides visitors with an immersive experience exploring the medieval history and hidden gems of the charming town.

Priced from $38.31 per person, the 2-hour tour is led by knowledgeable guides in English or Portuguese.

With limited availability, it’s advised to check for start times as the tour is likely to sell out.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Along the way, guests discover landmarks like the 1300-year-old Óbidos Castle, historic churches, bookstores, and neighborhoods, capped off by a tasting of the traditional Ginjinha liqueur served in a chocolate cup.

Highlights and Itinerary

Starting at the Óbidos Tourist Office, the guided walking tour takes visitors on a journey through the town’s rich history and hidden gems.

The tour’s highlights include:

1. Exploring the 1300-year-old Óbidos Castle of Moorish origin, the Museum of Saint John the Baptist Church, and the Camões Mark and Casa da Música.

2. Discovering the Market Bookstore, Saint Peter Church, Saint Martin Chapel, Maneys Tower, and Almshouse Church.

3. Visiting the Saint Mary Plaza, Saint Mary Church, Moorish and Jewish neighborhoods, the São Tiago Bookstore, and the trendy bookstore "Ler Devagar."

The tour also includes a tasting experience of the traditional Óbidos Ginjinha served in a chocolate cup.

Historical Significance

Óbidos has long been a special place for Portuguese queens, including Catherine of Austria, Isabel of Aragon, and Leonor de Avis.

Leonor de Avis, in particular, established one of the earliest hospitals in the city – the "Holy House of Mercy" – which became the oldest surviving hospital and relief network, influential during the Portuguese Empire.

Óbidos also boasts a rich artistic heritage, featuring works by Josefa de Óbidos, the first Portuguese female artist exhibited at the Louvre Museum.

This medieval town has a remarkable cultural legacy that continues to captivate visitors from around the world.

Cultural Legacy

Centuries of Portuguese royal patronage have endowed Óbidos with a remarkable cultural legacy.

The town’s history is intertwined with the lives of prominent Portuguese queens, including:

1. Catherine of Austria, who made Óbidos her permanent residence in the 16th century.

2. Isabel of Aragon, who established one of the earliest hospitals, the "Holy House of Mercy," which became an influential relief network during the Portuguese Empire.

3. Leonor de Avis, who commissioned works by Josefa de Óbidos, the first Portuguese female artist to be exhibited at the Louvre Museum.

This rich cultural tapestry continues to captivate visitors today.

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Artistic Heritage

Óbidos’ artistic heritage shines through the works of renowned painter Josefa de Óbidos, the first Portuguese female artist to be exhibited at the prestigious Louvre Museum. Her paintings, found throughout the town, showcase her remarkable talent and the cultural richness of Óbidos. Visitors can admire her masterpieces in various venues, including:

| Location | Work | Era |

| — | — | — |

| Saint Mary Church | "The Assumption of the Virgin" | 17th century |

| São Tiago Bookstore | "St. John the Baptist Decapitated" | 17th century |

| Trendy bookstore "Ler Devagar" | "St. Gerome in the Desert" | 17th century |

Josefa’s art reflects the town’s deep-rooted artistic traditions, making Óbidos a cultural gem worth exploring.

Customer Feedback

The Óbidos Guided Walking Tour has consistently received exceptional feedback from travelers, with an overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars based on 116 reviews.

Travelers have praised the:

The guide’s extensive knowledge and helpfulness in navigating the historic town, and the excellent value for money.

1. Guide’s extensive knowledge and helpfulness in navigating the historic town.

2. Excellent value for money, with the experience exceeding expectations.

3. Guide’s ability to cater to diverse groups and provide useful dining recommendations.

Reviewers from the United States, Canada, and South Korea have uniformly commended the tour, highlighting the guide’s flexibility and deep understanding of Óbidos’ cultural and artistic heritage.

Important Information

Comfortable shoes are recommended for this walking tour, as it covers the historic streets and landmarks of Óbidos.

The tour isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility issues, wheelchair users, or those with recent surgeries.

Weather conditions may sometimes lead to tour cancellations, so participants should check for updates.

The meeting location is at the front of the tourist office, near the main parking area, just outside the city walls.

With its focus on exploring Óbidos’ rich history and culture, this guided walk is best suited for active travelers seeking an immersive experience.

Tasting Experience

A highlight of the tour is the opportunity to sample the traditional Óbidos Ginjinha, a cherry liqueur served in a delightful chocolate cup.

This unique tasting experience allows visitors to:

1. Indulge in the rich, sweet flavor of the Ginjinha, a beloved local specialty.

2. Enjoy the contrast of the smooth chocolate shell with the aromatic liqueur.

3. Appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship behind this centuries-old tradition.

The Ginjinha tasting offers a delightful sensory experience that perfectly complements the tour’s exploration of Óbidos’ historical and cultural heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Minimum Number of Participants Required for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a minimum number of participants. It’s open to individual travelers, though it’s likely to sell out, so customers should check for availability and starting times. The tour can accommodate a range of group sizes.

Can We Take Photos During the Tour?

Yes, participants are encouraged to take photos during the tour. The guide often points out the best photo spots and encourages capturing the charming medieval architecture and scenic vistas along the way.

Are There Any Restroom Breaks During the 2-Hour Tour?

Yes, there are scheduled restroom breaks during the 2-hour tour. The guide will ensure participants have the opportunity to use the facilities at appropriate points throughout the walking tour of Óbidos’ medieval sites and attractions.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour is generally not suitable for young children, as it involves a fair amount of walking and visiting historical sites that may not be engaging for young kids. It’s best suited for adults and older children.

Can We Purchase the Óbidos Ginjinha to Take Home?

Yes, visitors can purchase the traditional Óbidos ginjinha to take home. The tour includes a tasting experience of the cherry liqueur served in a chocolate cup, and participants have the opportunity to buy bottles to bring back as souvenirs.

The Sum Up

The "Óbidos: Medieval Tales & Secret Spots Guided Walking Tour" offers a captivating journey through the town’s storied past. Visitors can explore historic landmarks, uncover hidden gems, and savor the region’s cultural legacy, all while learning from knowledgeable guides. With its medieval charm and traditional Ginjinha tastings, this tour provides a truly immersive experience, allowing participants to step back in time and enjoy the vibrant history and heritage of Óbidos.

You can check availability for your dates here: