Review: Castelo de Óbidos

So, what is this place? Back up, and tell us a little about it.
The crown jewel of Obidos is Castelo de Óbidos, a meticulously preserved medieval castle perched on the northwest side of the walled fortification. Its towers can be seen from nearly everywhere in the village, and its interior has been converted into a Pousada hotel, which is worth checking out. Its garden, terrace, and walls—which extend from it to encompass the village—are free and open to the public.

Wow—sounds pretty cool. Can you describe the structure for us?
This medieval castle was built in the Gothic and Baroque architectural styles, evoking a dark and storied past with a cylindrical watchtower and arches leading to hidden passages.

Pretty interesting! Should we—or can we—opt for a guided tour?
The terrace, garden, and walls can all be explored on your own, but it helps to stop by the central information office to pick up a map and information about the castle’s history.

Got it. Is this a hidden gem, or...?
No one comes to Obidos without exploring the castle, so expect to see people of all varieties ambling their way around it.

Noted. Did anything about it surprise you?
The castle is so imposing and well-preserved that it feels like the medieval era has come to life. And sometimes it has; check the schedule for the occasional medieval festival, complete with reenactors in period attire.

Fun! So, ultimately, what, or who, do you think it’s best for?
Anyone with an interest in history or architecture is sure to love this castle. Set aside two hours to walk the wall around the circumference of the town, and you won’t be disappointed. Just be sure to wear sturdy shoes and watch your step—certain portions are narrow and rail-less. To that effect, small children and people with disabilities might be better skipping the wall walk.