When I hired the private guide for my trip to Fatima, the route normally includes two other cities – Obidos and Nazare. My focus was solely on Fatima, and I was told that I could spend as much time in Fatima as I liked. When I was done with Fatima, we had enough time for one of the other locations. Since I knew nothing about either of the cities, I let the driver decide. He chose Obidos – maybe because it was closer! Nazare is famous for its traditional fishing heritage and world-record giant surfing waves. I remember seeing YouTube videos of surfers in the waters of Nazare. Because it was a cold February afternoon, Obidos sounded much better than a fishing village on the ocean shore.

Obidos is a walled city and a UNESCO Creative City of Literature with many bookstores. It is a perfect day trip from Lisbon and Fatima. Obidos grew from a Roman settlement. After the fall of Rome, the region came under the influence of the Visigoths and then the Moors. The city was taken from the Moors during the reign of the first king of Portugal in 1148. Approximately 3,100 people reside in the Obidos proper. However, the number of permanent residents living inside the medieval castle walls is just over 100 people. Annually, over 1.5 million people visit Obidos and enjoy the castle, bookstores, and an interesting Portuguese liqueur known as ginjinha. This liqueur is made from sour cherries infused in brandy, sugar, and cinnamon and served in edible chocolate cups.

The medieval castle in the walled city dates back to Roman occupation. Its layout was influenced by the Moors and a direct result of numerous restoration and reconstruction from different Portuguese kings beginning in 1148. In addition to military functions, the castle also served as a royal palace.

The first church I visited in Obidos was Sao Pedro Church. The high altar and bell tower were the only parts of this church that survived the 1755 earthquake.

The Church of Saint Mary was another beautiful church in Obidos and featured many beautiful blue azulejo tiles. The site for this church transitioned through the years from a Visigoth temple to a mosque and then finally a church. The royal wedding of 10-year-old King Afonso V to his 8-year-old cousin Isabel took place in this church in 1444.

The Church of Saint James initially established in 1186 has been repurposed as a beautiful bookstore. In its day, it served the pilgrims traveling to Santiago de Compostela.

I spent several hours touring Obidos and its many shops. It was a relaxing experience.

This adventure is almost over but still more to see in Lisbon. Because of the snow that hammered the northeastern part of our country, my flight home was rescheduled resulting in an extra day in Lisbon. Stay tuned for the next blog and video featuring special water views of Lisbon and new discoveries.

Enjoy the video below and God bless all.