The magnificent Obidos Pousada
is situated in a Castle in the old walls of Obidos, a fortified town in the west of Portugal, the traditional gift of the King to his Queen
Obidos was the traditional gift
given by the King of Portugal to his wife. This tradition commenced in
1282 when Dom Dinis gave the town to his wife Dona Isabel.
In those days, the sea came
up to the walls of the castle but by the 15th Century the sea retreated
and the land was cultivated.
This slow process can still
be seen by driving 6 kilometers to Foz de Arelho which is located between
the remains of Obidos lagoon and the present Atlantic coast with its long,
sandy beaches.
Obidos
has retained its character over the centuries with its beautiful white houses with blue trim and flowered window boxes.
Walking through its narrow cobbled stone streets, visitors will have the opportunity to sample the local favourite liqueur called 'Ginja' a typical drink in the region.
The town is surrounded by
'centuries old' walls which can be 'interesting' to walk around. Please
note that care is needed - an acquaintance of the writer needed the assistance
of the fire brigade to get down again!
Within these old walls, is
the castle which has been converted to make one of the country's finest
hotels - and one of the first to become a Pousada.
The Obidos Pousada has 4 double
bedrooms, 2 twin bedrooms, 2 suites with double bed and 1 presidential suite, all with private bathroom, air conditioning, Cable television, telephone, mini-bar, hair dryer, locker bathing gowns and telephone. The Suites are located in the tower of the mediaeval castle.
In 2012 The Pousada at Obidos inaugurated 8 new bedrooms in a restored wing by the castle, including 5 standard rooms and 3 superior rooms.
Bedrooms have a classic decoration and are fully equipped. All bedrooms were named after Kings and Queens that have stayed in Obidos.
Facilities at the Pousada in Obidos include air conditioning,
restaurant, bar, free wireless internet access in the public areas and terrace.
The Pousada's restaurant offers regional and international dishes. In the fishing town of Peniche, approximately 27 kms away, there are also excellent fish and seafood restaurants.
The Pousada in Obidos has many steps which make it unsuitable for those with walking difficulties.
Casa das Senhoras Rainhas,
also situated within the walls of Obidos, is an excellent alternative when
the Pousada is full. This delightful Estalagem has a superb restaurant.
Visitors will enjoy walking
in the old town with its village museum, local churches and old pillory.
A short distance outside
the town is a very large church which was never used and is now falling
into decay. In the buildings surrounding this church are a number of restaurants
which serve very, good lunches.
Golfers will enjoy the nearby
course at Praia D'el Rey Golf Club which provides excellent golf on a links course.
Obidos is 110 kilometers
from Lisbon and has a Railway Station nearby on a line designed by Gustaf
Eifel.
The international airport
at Lisbon (Lisboa) is approximately 83 kilometers from this Pousada of Portugal.
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