Eburobrittium, the Roman Town of Óbidos
When you visit Óbidos, it is worth exploring the surrounding area and learning more about the Roman town of Óbidos that once stood here. The castle itself has Roman origins, although it later became a fortress under Moorish rule.
Óbidos is known as a medieval town, a living museum lovingly preserved, with its proud, sturdy walls, winding streets, whitewashed houses and windows full of flowers. At every step you meet the days of the royal court.
The Romans in Óbidos
Thanks to its excellent location close to the sea, this land has been inhabited since ancient times. The 1755 earthquake struck the town with great force, bringing down parts of the walls as well as some churches and buildings, and changing parts of the Moorish and medieval layout.
The history of Óbidos goes back to 308 BC, when it was founded by the Celts. They were later conquered by the Romans in a battle fought from the waters of Foz do Arelho, after an attack by land had failed.
The Roman Conquest
Legend has it that the commander who led the conquest reported the victory to Julius Caesar, saying it had only been possible thanks to the arm of the sea (the Óbidos Lagoon), in other words “Ob id os” (“because of this mouth”). The ruins of the Roman forum of Eburobrittium were found during road works on the IP6 and IC1 and are currently closed to the public. History tells us that the Romans were defeated by the Visigoths in the 5th century, who in turn were conquered by the Moors.
During more than 500 years of Muslim rule in Portugal, the Moors began building the castle of Óbidos to stop enemy troops coming from the north on their way to Santarém and Lisbon, the country’s main ports.
Once the Portuguese kingdom was established, the town of the “toupeiros” (moles, the nickname given to the people of Óbidos because of the network of tunnels built under the castle and walls to keep the fortress supplied during long sieges) changed little in military terms until 1755, when the great earthquake caused heavy damage.
How to Visit the Roman Town of Óbidos
The Roman town of Óbidos was discovered when construction of the A8 motorway began. It lies on private land, so it cannot be visited at the moment because the property is closed to the public. Keep following our guide, though, as guided visits to the site are often organised.
Óbidos Today
Over the years the town was rebuilt, and today it is one of Portugal’s top tourist destinations. The old castle has been turned into a pousada (historic hotel).
