[April 11, Obidos]
Obidos is a postcard-ready medieval (14th c.) castle town near Nazare. Our guidebook characterizes it as "ideal for photographers who want to make Portugal look prettier than it is". It has changed hands several times, including Celts, Romans, Visigoths, Moors, Portuguese, and recently, tourists.
The former castle of the Moors has been converted to a fancy
pousada (hotel). It is told that in 1148 Alfonso Henriques (Portugal's first king) mounted a fierce diversionary attack on the main gate of the town, while the Moorish ruler sheltered inside his castle. Meanwhile a second group of Henry's men crept up the hill behind the castle, disguised as cherry trees. The unfortunate Moor, not having read his Shakespeare, ignored his daughter's warning as she looked out the window and asked, "Daddy, to trees walk?" Holy Macbeth, Batman!
A beautifully tiled gateway welcomes you.
Fine views of the city and countryside from the ancient walls.
Orange trees grow in house gardens.
Tile paintings decorate sides of houses.
Contrasting bands of color on walls indicate property lines.
A lovely and surprisingly well lighted church of St. Peter
Detail on facade of Church of St. Mary
Interior of St. Mary
Ceramic tiles decorate St. Mary in profusion.
Alleyway
Rooftops
Surrounding countryside
Obidos is a postcard-ready medieval (14th c.) castle town near Nazare. Our guidebook characterizes it as "ideal for photographers who want to make Portugal look prettier than it is". It has changed hands several times, including Celts, Romans, Visigoths, Moors, Portuguese, and recently, tourists. 
The former castle of the Moors has been converted to a fancy pousada (hotel). It is told that in 1148 Alfonso Henriques (Portugal's first king) mounted a fierce diversionary attack on the main gate of the town, while the Moorish ruler sheltered inside his castle. Meanwhile a second group of Henry's men crept up the hill behind the castle, disguised as cherry trees. The unfortunate Moor, not having read his Shakespeare, ignored his daughter's warning as she looked out the window and asked, "Daddy, to trees walk?" Holy Macbeth, Batman!
A beautifully tiled gateway welcomes you.
Fine views of the city and countryside from the ancient walls.
Orange trees grow in house gardens.
Tile paintings decorate sides of houses.
Contrasting bands of color on walls indicate property lines.
A lovely and surprisingly well lighted church of St. Peter
Detail on facade of Church of St. Mary
Interior of St. Mary
Ceramic tiles decorate St. Mary in profusion.
Alleyway
Rooftops
Surrounding countryside
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