From Lisbon: Alcobaça & Óbidos Self-Guided Tour

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From Lisbon: Alcobaça & Óbidos Self-Guided Tour

Name: From Lisbon: Alcobaça & Óbidos Self-Guided Tour
Address: Portugal

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This DIY tour was designed especially for those seeking total autonomy as they set about discovering this wonderful part of Portugal. This interactive guide will be your perfect travelling companion.

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Highlights

Discover Alcobaça, the city home to the Monastery of Alcobaça a UNESCO site
Stroll among the medieval walls of Óbidos at your own pace
Admire the beauty of the village's houses and churches
Free time to taste the 'heaven' sweets of Alcobaça
Get to know the history of the real Romeo and Juliet

Description

The visit begins in Lisbon, from where we head towards Alcobaça, a city home to the Monastery of Alcobaça, also known as the Royal Monastery of Santa Maria de Alcobaça, which was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1989. The construction of the Monastery began in 1178, by order of King D. Afonso Henriques, and the monks occupies it in 1223. It is one of the largest and best-preerved complexes of the Cistercian Order. King D. Pedro chose the church of the monastery as the burial site for himself and his beloved, Inês de Castro, whose impressive tombs can be visited. We will then proceed to the village of Óbidos, enjoying some of the most beautiful landscapes in western Portugal. In Óbidos, accompanied by an audioguide that will provide detailed information about each point of interest, visitors can explore the churches, see the walls and the castle, or stroll through the streets lined with colorful houses adorned with flowers. The village of Óbidos was probably founded by the Celts in 308 BC. Recent studies have led experts to believe that Óbidos was part of the anciente Roman city of Eburobrittium. The village was later occupied by the barbarians and then by the Moors. The first King of Portugal, Afonso Henriques, conquered this village from the Moors. In the 18th century, Óbidos still held its noble status as a place for the royal summer holidays. King John V stayed in Óbidos for eight years on the advice of his doctors to go bathing in Caldas da Rainha to treat his arthritis and obesity. On arrival in this charming village some of the places of interest are as follows: Town Gate or Our Lady of Sorrow, patron saint of Óbidos: You can see the inscription: “The Virgin, Our Lady, was conceived without original sin”, which dates back to the 17th century, to the time of John IV. Marvel at the 18th century tiles that represent scenes of the Passion of Christ. St. Peter’s Church: Has a medieval foundation and still has its original portal. It was renovated in the second half of the 16th century. The church has a single nave and a superb altarpiece in baroque woodwork from the architectural period of King John V. Pousada of Óbidos: Was the first in Portugal to be built from an historical building. It is located inside what was once the Paço do Alcaide. Notice the beautiful Manueline windows and the doorway with an ornate lintel molded in the fashion of intertwined tree-trunks. St. James Church: Over the centuries, during their stays in Óbidos, the royal family attended the St. James Church, founded by King Sancho. St. Mary’s Church of Óbidos: In the exact same place as the old Visigoth temple used to be. The temple was later turned into a mosque. When the Christian conquest by Afonso I took place, it became a Catholic church. Inside you can admire the splendid collection of tiles that cover the walls and the tomb of D. João de Noronha, mayor of Óbidos in the 16th century, a masterpiece by the sculptor Nicolau Chanterene.

Includes

Interactive audio guide Map of destination

Important Information

The tour duration of 6 hours is always an approximate time.
Cityrama reserves the right to cancel or change (without prior notice) any service due to the impracticability of performing the service, for reasons beyond Cityrama’s control. Should a visit be cancelled for reasons beyond Cityrama’s control, customers will not be entitled to a refund.