Obidos, Portugal

Obidos attracts people by its outstanding Medieval sightseeing. This small Portuguese town, with the population of 3 thousand people, was founded in the 12th century. The Obidos Palace is the main historical symbol of the town. Its fort walls surround the town for 1 565 meters long. The powerful defensive walls were beginning to build in the 12th century and finished in the 14th century.

For more than a hundred years the fortress is still in the focus of the traveller's interest. On its territory you can find not only historical monuments but also the first historical hotel, dated from the 1950s. Another eye-catching monument is the aquae ductus of the 16th century. Its depth is about 3 thousand meters. The real masterpiece of the ancient architecture is the towns gates. They are original and has been there for more than seven centuries. The traditional white-blue panel Azulejo with Bible motives decorates the Óbidos city gates.

The marvelous Casa da Música Theatre and the Igreja de Santiago Church, built in the second half of the 12th century, are the most outstanding landmarks in the city. In the middle of the 18th century the church was absolutely ruined after the earthquake. Nevertheless, it was rebuilt in the shortest time. Today there has placed the city concert hall. The ancient Portuguese city Obidos is popular not only among the admirers of walks but also among chocolate gourmands. There have placed the most known chocolate fabrics of the country. Every year there is held the Chocolate Festival. Next - Xian