By the GoÓbidos Team●24 December 2014
Óbidos Castle: From the Romans to the House of the Queens
From the Moorish fortress conquered in 1148 to Portugal’s first state inn in a historic building: the story of the castle that crowns the village.
In this article
From the Romans to the reconquest The House of the Queens The Alcaides’ Palace and the inn The walls and the “Moles” Frequently asked questions
Óbidos Castle is thought to have Roman origins, probably on the site of an earlier hill fort. It was fortified under Moorish rule and, after the Christian conquest in 1148, repaired and enlarged several times.
In the parish of Santa Maria, in the village and municipality of Óbidos, it gives the village its silhouette and is the starting point for any visit.
From the Romans to the reconquest
In ancient times the site was inhabited by Lusitanians, Romans, Visigoths and Muslims. An archaeological site near the village confirms the Roman presence.
The Muslims built a walled fortress, which was conquered by the first king of Portugal, Afonso Henriques, in 1148. After the reconquest, King Sancho I carried out works on the castle and, in 1195, granted the village its charter.
The House of the Queens
Later, King Dinis gave Óbidos to his queen, Isabel of Aragon, as a wedding gift. From then on the village was known as the “House of the Queens”, a status that lasted until 1834.
The Alcaides’ Palace and the inn
In the reign of King Manuel I, the castle’s governor built a palace and altered parts of the fortress. The Alcaides’ Palace has beautiful Manueline windows opening onto the inner courtyard. The fireplace in the main hall and the doorway topped by the royal arms and those of the Noronha family, flanked by two armillary spheres, date from that time.
The palace was badly damaged in the 1755 earthquake and, by the 20th century, lay in ruins. It was then restored to house the pousada, the first state-run inn in a historic building in Portugal.
The walls and the “Moles”
The 1755 earthquake hit the castle hard, and in the 20th century it underwent a major restoration in which much of the walls was rebuilt.
One story linked to the walls explains the old nickname of the people of Óbidos, the “Toupeiros” (Moles): it is said a network of tunnels under the walls allowed the village to be supplied during sieges.
Continue with the religious heritage of Óbidos and the village festivals, such as the Chocolate Festival and the Óbidos Christmas Village, both held inside the castle enclosure.
Guided tour
Óbidos: Medieval Tales & Secret Spots
A local guide tells the stories of the queens, kings and legends of Óbidos, inside the walls.
Frequently asked questions
When was Óbidos Castle conquered?
In 1148, by Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal. Before that it was a walled fortress built by the Muslims.
Why is Óbidos called the House of the Queens?
Because King Dinis gave the village to Queen Isabel of Aragon as a wedding gift. It remained linked to the queens of Portugal until 1834.
What is inside the castle today?
The old Alcaides’ Palace was restored in the 20th century as a pousada, the first state-run inn in a historic building. You can walk along the walls around the village.
More about Óbidos
- Itineraries in Óbidos
- Óbidos Religious Heritage
- The narrow streets of Óbidos
- Art and culture in Óbidos
- What to do in Óbidos
- Explore Óbidos
This article was prepared by the GoÓbidos team, the local tourist guide to Óbidos. Please check dates, opening hours and prices with the organisers before your visit.