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Home to Bordallo Pinheiro Factory named for and founded by one of Portugal’s most renowned ceramic artists with a penchant for cabbage-styled pottery the factory store’s prices are usually a bargain compared to boutiques.  Getting lost within the walls of compact Óbidos is challenging And while an amble along well-trodden Rue Direta the main thoroughfare linking Porta da Vila to the castle will give your camera and carteria (purse) a workout To see why the Portuguese voted Óbidos one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal detouring to every bougainvillea-veiled corner Óbidos’s history unfurls across Queen-linked churches First bestowed to the Queen Consort by King Afonso II in 1210 Óbidos continued to be a (rather excessive) traditional royal wedding gift until the 19th century Queen Leonor's church in the former Jewish Quarter is especially worth a glance to admire the azulejos and adjacent tower before crossing under the Arco da Cadeia now an appointment-only house museum.  Detour: Beyond the walls, Queen Isabel-founded Igreja de São João Baptista, housing an undersized sacred art collection, and baroque Santuário do Senhor da Pedra are worth a brief detour Given nearly every other doorway along Rua Direita is garnished with a sign for Ginjinha de Óbidos the town’s signature dark red cherry-infused aguardiente (firewater) it would be almost criminal not to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings sippable shot is often served in a chocolate cup Planning tip: Come for Óbidos’s International Chocolate Festival during the first few weekends in March for an even sweeter visit. Or, walk the two-hour, out-of-town Rota dos Ginjais trail to witness nearby Sobral da Lagoa’s morello trees in bloom Constructed by the Moors and later converted into a royal palace – a wedding gift from King Dinis to Queen Santa Isabel – the hulking, multi-turreted Castelo de Óbidos is as storied as they come Consider slumbering in the historic quarters for a night if your schedule allows. Staying in a pousada (upmarket inn) is one of Portugal’s best experiences azulejos and regal canvases all embellish the Óbidos experience following in the footsteps of Portuguese royalty.  Planning tip: If you’re tight on time but keen for a glimpse inside make a reservation for lunch in the castle’s wooden-beamed Try to request a table in the cubbyhole windows for a panoramic view framed by twisted rope-like Manueline columns constructed under Queen Catherine of Austria’s watchful eye Planning tip: While heavily restored in the 20th century, the ramparts have no guardrails, which can be daunting on an often over 20m-high (65ft) wall. If you’re traveling with kids or uncomfortable with heights Look no further than the Figueira family to understand how art-inspiring this town is born in Óbidos at the turn of the 17th century who adopted the town’s name as her artistic surname signature were two of Portugal’s most prolific baroque artists or visit Oficina de Barro to discover verguinha an ancestral Italian clay-weaving technique imported to the town bibliophiles have long been drawn to Óbidos designated a UNESCO City of Literature in 2015 peruse the dozen-odd livrarias (bookstores) or al fresco book exchange spots around town and barn-like Livraria de Mercado are two of the largest within the walls hawks some antique titles in an old wine cellar a converted convent hotel where the common spaces Japanese restaurant and gin bar are lined with book-stacked shelves Planning tip: Join fellow bookworms at April’s Literature and Travellers Festival (LATITUDES) or Óbidos International Literature Festival (FOLIO) hosted in September or October Prefer a (hopefully) sunny, castle-backed Christmas market? December’s ticketed Vila Natal is a fine spot of festive cheer as twinkling lights and projections illuminate the towers and market stalls and crafts and kid-friendly performances annex the area fronting the castle Planning tip: If you’re in Portugal over Easter, visit Óbidos during Semana Santa (Holy Week) for a taste of the medieval experience during the torchlit procession Find kitesurfing and SUP schools on the lagoon’s southern edge separated from the Atlantic Ocean by the sensational swirling sands and cyan waters of Praia do Bom Sucesso beach a lagoon-circling trail now visited by flamingos during winter’s migration Detour: Óbidos is close to many other Central Portugal coastal highlights. Peniche, the gateway to the protected Berlengas Islands, and Nazaré home of the world's biggest rideable waves With Portugal’s largest coastal lagoon, the Lagoa de Óbidos, on its doorstep, caldeirada de peixe, a bubbling fish stew of peppers, tomatoes and the seasonal local catch – perhaps bass, eel, bream, clams and mussels – is the local dish to try You’ll still find fisher communities and huts dotting the crustacean-heavy lagoon To savor it lagoon-side, book Covão dos Musaranhos and request the caldeirada a day ahead. Try to pair it with an Óbidos DOC (Controlled Denomination of Origin) wine, or to guarantee a local sip, book a tasting at Quinta Do Sanguinhal Please check your email to confirm your signup Please try again or contact the system administrator As a continuation of our previous post about golf courses in Porto, in this edition, we delve into one of the most prominent golf destinations in Portugal: Óbidos this region has gained popularity among golf enthusiasts thanks to its top-tier courses a privileged natural setting along the Atlantic Óbidos is the ideal destination for those looking for a complete getaway with a variety of high-quality golf courses are ideal for those looking to enjoy both the sea and golf in one place Another must-visit stop in the region is Bom Sucesso Resort, a complex renowned for both its golf course and innovative architecture The contemporary design of the villas and common spaces attracts golf and design enthusiasts While it currently doesn’t have its own hotel plans are in place for the opening of a five-star hotel in 2025 which will undoubtedly add a new level of luxury to the resort experience also provides a shelter from the usual wind in the area allowing for a more stable and comfortable round of golf Additionally, Royal Óbidos deserves a mention, featuring an interesting golf course design and a 5-star boutique hotel complemented by villas overlooking the golf course. A bit further to the north and no longer part of Óbidos, Dolce Camporeal is another resort in the area with a rural hotel style offering an experience for players looking for a quieter stay without necessarily having as much variety of courses catering to both players and those seeking a relaxing getaway in an unparalleled setting If you’re looking for a golf getaway in Portugal, be sure to check out our offerings on Portugolf.com, where you’ll find personalized packages and green fees for the best courses in the region. Subscribe to our mailing list Be the first one to hear about our latest offers and news 7 nights BB + 4 days unlimited golf from 693 pp 7 nights HB + 6 days unlimited golf + relax area 882 pp Golf in Spain® is a registered trademark of El Sur Existe s.l The Road to Mallorca heads to Portugal for the Open de Portugal at Royal Óbidos With just six events left until the Rolex Challenge Tour Grand Final supported by the R&A The Open de Portugal boasts a storied history in European Golf having first been staged over 70 years ago It became part of the European Tour schedule in 1973 and remained a fixture until 2010 The tournament returned to the schedule in 2017 as a dual-ranked event with the Challenge Tour taking place at Morgado Golf & Country Club and has remained on the Road to Mallorca schedule since then with Royal Óbidos taking over as the venue in 2020 the golf course at Royal Óbidos opened in 2012 after being designed by golfing legend Seve Ballesteros who took advantage of the land’s natural undulation to subtly blend in the layout with its surroundings The 7,200-yard course demands length off the tee and with water hazards coming into play on many holes through an intricate system of lakes and streams precision is crucial – especially on approach shots into undulating greens Since it’s introduction to the Challenge Tour schedule eight years ago the Open de Portugal has amassed an impressive list of past champions that includes several winners on the DP World Tour 2017’s dual-ranked event saw Englishman Matt Wallace triumph in his debut season on the Challenge Tour to secure playing rights on golf’s Global Tour That victory was a sign of things to come for Wallace as he landed three more wins the following season before securing a fourth victory at last week’s Omega European Masters Poland’s Adrian Meronk triumphed in 2019 to help secure his promotion at the end of the season and since then has won four titles on the DP World Tour one more than 2020 champion Garrick Higgo of South Africa German Marcel Schneider secured a dramatic one-stroke victory in 2021 with an eagle on the 72nd hole a finish matched by Frenchman Pierre Pineau the following year after he came out on top in a three-way play-off while 2023 saw England’s Marco Penge triumph en-route to winning the Road to Mallorca Rankings A strong field assembles in Portugal this week including a pair of two-time winners on the 2024 Road to Mallorca in Englishman John Parry and Spaniard Joel Moscatel They will both be looking to follow in the footsteps of Denmark’s Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen after he won a third title of the season at last week’s Big Green Egg German Challenge powered by VcG to secure promotion to the DP World Tour Joining them are several DP World Tour winners including former Portugal Masters champions Álvaro Quirós of Spain and Frenchman Alexander Levy who triumphed on these shores in 2008 and 2014 respectively Read today's Portuguese stories delivered to your email TV show reveals the reality behind the bold dream of opening a one-of-a-kind bar in Portugal When a group of friends imagined setting up a secret bar during the Coronavirus lockdown in Portugal they didn’t dare to dream that one day it could become a reality let alone one that would be hitting television screens back in the UK… Fast forward 5 years and that dream that became The Prohibition Bar in Óbidos is hosting a week of special screenings as the story of its first six months in business is told by British TV show A New Life in the Sun when producers heard that the run-down building was being given a new lease of life they were keen to get the cameras rolling again Over three million viewers tune in each week to watch the mixed fortunes of those brave enough to launch new businesses in sunnier climes Film crews followed the journey of over 70 Portuguese and international shareholders clubbing together to form ownership that is unique in Portugal Showing daily at 4pm between Monday 10th and Friday 14th February the Channel 4 programme will chart the highs and lows of the bar’s renovation in April 2024 through to last summer’s all-day original music festival…and there promises to be plenty of dramas along the way Events director Richard Allen says “This first year has been such a labour of love and we’re so proud of what our shared vision has become… having that documented for television has been incredible We’re excited to share the story of our bar with the world….and with so many people giving their time and talents to this project we can’t wait to find out who’s made the final cut!” Prohibition Bar in Óbidos will be showing A New Life in the Sun on its big screens every day at 4pm from Monday 10th – Friday 14th February We appreciate that not everyone can afford to pay for our services but if you are able to we ask you to support The Portugal News by making a contribution – no matter how small You can change how much you give or cancel your contributions at any time Send us your comments or opinion on this article Reaching over 400,000 people a week with news about Portugal This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page If you're one of those who never misses an edition of Óbidos Vila Natal which delights children and adults alike every year you should know that the 2024 edition will have several surprises The incredible event that takes place every year in the typical village of Óbidos, and which has enchanted everyone who passes through will begin on December 6 and will continue until 30 days later more opportunities than last year to visit this market which enchants young and old alike and which this year even has a few surprises Óbidos Vila Natal is an excellent way to delight and entertain the little ones Known for its well-preserved medieval architecture at this time of year Óbidos is completely transformed into a place that becomes even more magical during the Christmas vacation season the theme of Óbidos Vila Natal refers to “the magic of the kingdoms of fairies and elves” inviting all visitors to live various experiences linked to this imaginary world of enchantment and spells Within this realm you’ll find the Hairstylists’ Village and the Fairies’ Studio learn more about the formation of snow and discover other dimensions in the Enchanted Portal while helping to build a souvenir for the Christmas tree in this Christmas market Santa’s Cabin is another of the liveliest and most sought-after attractions in this theme park around the walls of Óbidos or taking a ride on the Train that invites you to discover an enchanting seasonal scene then the Ice Mountain is where you’ll find the most fun with exciting descents that take you to another popular area: the Ice Rink In the Enchanted Adventure Park you can have fun with jumps and tumbles don’t miss the opportunity to watch the various shows and animations throughout Óbidos Vila Natal The village will also be decorated with Christmas lights and ornaments creating an enchanting atmosphere throughout the event Surfers Cove welcomes its latest investor in Surf Parque Óbidos the surfer is currently ranked seventh in the Word Surf League This participation will bring to the Surf Park the stamp of a great world-renowned and medalled surfer who occupies 7th place in the World Surf League (WSL) world ranking and who makes Portugal his home in Ericeira “I spend a lot of my time in Portugal and apart from the friends I have here the waves in some areas of Portugal are epic That’s why when I heard that this Surf Park was going to be created I couldn’t remain indifferent,” says Kanoa Igarashi He adds: “In 2021 I tried out Wavegarden’s technology and teamed up with Wavegarden’s R&D team at the invitation of its founder to help develop and test a new special section for aerials I’m sure that Surf Parque Óbidos is going to be a very popular place for those who want to learn safely and train professionally at the highest level It’s an excellent complement to the sea It’s going to be another place for all surfers to socialise” who has been participating in international competitions since 2012 was the youngest rookie on the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT) in 2016 and achieved more victories in his first season than any other surfer He is currently ranked seventh in the World Surf League Kanoa’s father was a surfer in Japan and an avid fan of the sport his parents moved to Huntington Beach where he began surfing at the age of three and won his first surfing trophy at the age of seven In 2016 he signed up as the youngest athlete in the WSL/CT and the first surfer to represent Japan As one of the top finalists in the 2019 WSL/CT Kanoa qualified to compete in the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo Olympic medal after eliminating Brazil’s Gabriel Medina in the semi-finals The masterplan and architectural project are the responsibility of Frederico Valsassina and construction is scheduled to begin in 2024 the share capital and bank financing for the operation have already been secured and the only thing left to do is to secure the necessary public support for construction to go ahead the park starts a soft opening period followed by the grand opening to the Portuguese and international public in July 2026 The Óbidos Surf Park will reinforce the Oeste Peniche and Surf brands defined by Turismo Centro de Portugal and will integrate Portugal’s elite surfing areas This was one of the reasons why the Vice-President of Turismo Centro de Portugal issued a declaration of interest on 23 February “recognising it as innovative and enhancing the tourist offer which could generate extremely relevant national and international tourist flows contributing to the consolidation of the Centre of Portugal as one of the most renowned surfing destinations in the world” You must be logged in to post a comment Press release from URBNSURF: URBNSURF Melbourne the original and most surfed wave park on the planet has officially turned five – celebrating not just.. We’re a third of the way through 2025 and we’ve seen some exciting news in the surf park industry By Jess Ponting Academic Research Finds That Environmental Sustainability and Community Benefit are Both Achievable and Non-Negotiable for the European Surf Park Market Copyright Surf Park Central. All rights reserved. | Terms of use Latest UpdatesCountries Why Join?IL MagazineFree Daily E-LetterVideoOur ExpertsTestimonialsFAQsTopics so your days can be as busy as you wish and If you like seasons Summers are warm...","breadcrumb":{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https://internationalliving.com/countries/portugal/obidos-portugal/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://internationalliving.com/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"A Lifestyle Guide to the Medieval Town of Óbidos Your #1 resource for a global lifestyle since 1979 The fifteen-year-old princess from Coimbra trembled with excitement as she approached the church of Santa Maria converted to a mosque during Moorish occupation it had been restored to a historic Christian place of worship Princess Isabella was about to make history she would become Queen Consort and go on to leave an indelible mark on Portuguese history Visitors strolling Rua Direita in the medieval village portion of town linger at shops selling handicrafts and clothing Some establishments have planted a stand in front offering a taste of the local cherry liqueur called Ginja for $1 sipped from a chocolate cup which is then quickly consumed Tourists are a positive for the potential retiree because restaurant and shop owners necessarily speak English And don’t be surprised to find that the population in general (about 3,100 in Óbidos proper and 11,800 in the municipality) speaks at least some English due to the constant influx of visitors two-hour plus ride and the schedule is sketchy take the Green Express route of the bus service operated by Rodotejo clean buses with free Wi-Fi travel dozens of times each weekday to Lisbon A ticket costs less than $9 and will have you in the capital in an hour You’ll have plenty to do in and around Óbidos you’ll find a number of championship sites nearby including the 18-hole Royal Óbidos Golf Course in Vau Another possibility is arguably one of the most beautiful courses in the country you might want to head to one of a number of unique bookstores in town Bibliophiles delight in the Grande Livraria de Santiago on the site of the 13th century Church of Santiago That’s not the only bookstore with unusual origins: a former vegetable market (which still does sell a bit of green) is one choice you can sip the fruit of the wine while checking out the tomes Even restaurants have gotten into the literary swing of things It’s conveniently located at—appropriately—The Literary Man Óbidos Hotel right in town Head there for a serious gin and tonic in the gin bar after a day spent hiking in and around the hilly cobblestone streets Or enjoy a selection of tapas at Arco da Cadeia on Rua do Hospital a wine bar which formerly served as a medieval prison Several times a year your daily routine will be disrupted Springtime brings the International Chocolate and Pastry Festival where chefs create marvelous chocolate sculptures the Medieval Market transports the populace back in time and watch a camel caravan all in one afternoon enter the castle grounds to quaff wine and ale you can even grab a pair of skates and try your hand at a double axel—or not Real estate offerings in Óbidos proper are scarce although you may be able to find a two-bedroom in town in the $900 range if your timing is right But in cities like the nearby expat-friendly Caldas da Rainha you can find a four-bedroom home to rent for $1,200 a month Other cities in striking distance include Alcobaça and Fátima As is the case almost everywhere in the country you can find breakfast at a café for a couple of dollars A single can expect to spend a third less on a monthly basis The Silver Coast of Portugal continues to grow in appeal for tourists and expats alike and Óbidos and its environs is definitely an area to consider If you’re looking to connect with people who have already made the move check out “Silver Coast Our Home” on Facebook Portugal Deep DivesClimate in Portugal The Óbidos International Chocolate Festival will take place between 21 March and 6 April In an edition dedicated to the great scientific inventions that changed the world and with "Science" as its central theme, the 2025 edition of the famous event promises to transform the medieval town into a "laboratory of flavors, in which the art of confectionery merges with innovation and knowledge", announced Óbidos City Council the event has been curated by Francisco Siopa executive pastry chef at Penha Longa Resort the Óbidos International Chocolate Festival will pay tribute to "the great scientific inventions that have changed the world highlighting their influence on everyday life and The event will showcase everything from the transformation of cocoa to the most advanced confectionery techniques competitions and demonstrations of the different ways to enjoy chocolate whether in traditional sweets or in the preparation of cocktails or with wine or culinary recipes Among the main attractions of the event will be chocolate sculptures and a laboratory made entirely of chocolate and during the three weekends of the festival several internationally renowned master chocolatiers promise to demonstrate their talent and creativity presenting pieces inspired by the world of science "The presence of training institutes and specialists in the area reinforces the commitment to innovation and technical development providing the public with the opportunity to explore new approaches from the art of chocolate to the latest trends in molecular gastronomy" said the chairman of the board of directors of Óbidos Criativa With more than 80 chefs of different nationalities the Óbidos International Chocolate Festival is "not only a leisure space but also a platform for knowledge and appreciation of the sector" as can be read in the organisation's statement Among the master chocolatiers participating in this edition are Jordi Farrés and Enric Monzoines (both from Chocolate Academy Barcelona) David Gil Rovira (Imasdesserts / Author of the book XOK) Lluc Crussellas (World Chocolate Master 2022) Jorge Cardoso --(Cullinary World Champion in 2018 and 2022) Hélio Loureiro and Sahima Hajat (winner of Masterchef Portugal 2022) This year's festival features a new partnership with Dino Parque da Lourinhã featuring a play area dedicated to dinosaurs and "offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy fun experiences such as discovering fossils in chocolate creating planets in chocolate and learning about chocolate through the five senses" The initiative also includes competitions for Best Chocolate Menu in Óbidos restaurants Best Chocolate Wedding Cake and Best Homemade Chocolate Cake 2025 The Óbidos International Chocolate Festival will be open to the public from Friday to Sunday with tickets costing between €8 (children aged between three and 11) and €10 (over 12s) The National Chocolate Platform has been created in Óbidos, through a protocol between the Portuguese Hotel, Restaurant and Similar Association and the municipality where it will be headquartered “As an association of companies, entrepreneurs and managers, we have the obligation to also leverage some economic activities that are as important as those that are currently in the media permanently, such as cooking,” the president of the Portuguese Hotel, Restaurant and Similar Association (AHRESP) justifying the creation of the platform that aims to bring together “the maximum amount of knowledge around chocolate” The platform's objective is to promote interaction exchange of information and cooperation between municipalities companies and professionals engaged in the promotion and appreciation of chocolate and chocolate making highlighting that it was “a whole world of transformation and innovation” that led the association to want “to have a story that The National Chocolate Platform is the second to be registered in the country with the Bread Platform (in Mafra) already formalised Wine Platform (in Régua) and Seafood Platform (in the Azores) being prepared The platforms have "two major purposes and objectives": "to promote economic activities that are less publicized" The National Chocolate Platform will be based in Óbidos where the International Chocolate Festival is held annually who will develop activities and promote expansion to other municipalities and interested entities explained that choosing the municipality to host the platform presupposes “an investment by the municipality of 50 thousand euros and it will presuppose an investment of 25 thousand euros to continue” the project to make “the platform self-sustainable from a financial point of view” through the development of activities that also contribute to “creating opportunities for a chocolate industry” the creation of the platform has already generated “expressions of interest in Brazil with several entities wanting to understand exactly what this platform is and how they can be partners According to the protocol signed today in Óbidos the platform is open to public and private members among other bodies “important in the recognition and promotion of chocolate and chocolate” Christmas is also synonymous with getaways So how about a trip to one of Europe's most beautiful medieval villages how about taking advantage of this time of year to go on a little getaway we’re taking you to “Óbidos Vila Natal” Óbidos is one of the most beautiful (and well-preserved) medieval villages in Europe In summer it attracts visitors looking to stroll its historic streets and in winter it attracts the attention of all those who love Christmas destinations “Óbidos Vila Natal” has become one of the most eagerly awaited events in Portugal’s Christmas calendar the doors open on December 6 and will remain open until January 6 with the organization expecting around 200,000 people to visit But what’s so special about this event Among thousands of lights and decorations that highlight the beauty of the cobbled streets and medieval walls the timeless charm of life becomes even more prominent at this time of year “The Magic of the Fairy and Elf Kingdoms” is the theme of the 2024 edition with a range of activities and attractions expected you’ll find the Combers’ Village and the Fairies’ Studio learn curiosities about the formation of snow and discover other dimensions in the Enchanted Portal In Santa ‘s Enchanted Hut the little ones can meet the world’s most famous white-bearded ‘old man’ up close and share their wishes On the ice rink and frozen mountain, fun is guaranteed with exciting moments of skating and descents. You can also take a ride on the Christmas Train But these aren’t the only attractions there’s also a typical market and various themed shows with elves Visiting Óbidos is a must for anyone who loves Christmas-themed trips. Located around 204 km from Porto, it takes just over 2 hours by car to reach the medieval town . One of the best options is to take the A1 to the A8, which leads directly to Óbidos. What are you waiting for? PortugalChevron An "altar" at the Grande Livraria de Santiago up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse We understand that time is the greatest luxury which is why Condé Nast Traveler mines its network of experts and influencers so that you never waste a meal or a hotel stay wherever you are in the world How is Easter celebrated in Portugal? Wikimedia commons Emma Donaldson 28 March 2025 9:00The first things that come to mind for many when Easter is mentioned are chocolate eggs and Easter bunnies and while these things are popular in Portugal too Portugal traditionally celebrates Holy Week (Semana Santa) One of Portugal's most popular public holidays in 2025 Let's have a closer look at the Easter holiday and traditions in Portugal including must-visit places to celebrate in 2025 Portugal’s Easter traditions beautifully blend Catholic rituals with local customs passed down through generations towns and villages come alive with religious ceremonies While Easter celebrations take place nationwide each region adds its unique touch — from the impressive Holy Week in Braga to traditional blessings in rural villages starts on Palm Sunday and runs until Easter Sunday One of the most famous Holy Week celebrations happens in Braga often called the “Portuguese Rome.” The city hosts elaborate processions where locals dressed in traditional robes walk through the historic streets carrying religious statues and symbols and Évora also host deeply moving processions and events reflecting Portugal’s strong Catholic heritage Food plays a massive part in Portugal's Easter holidays as it brings families together and keeps traditions alive families gather to enjoy a long lunch together while other dishes such as cod are enjoyed on Good Friday while many are still observing lent.  Easter can be a wonderful time to visit Portugal for several reasons: Celebrating Easter in Portugal can be a rich and rewarding experience, with various cities and regions offering unique traditions and festivities. Where is the best place to celebrate Easter in Portugal? Here are some places where you can immerse yourself in Easter celebrations in Portugal: Like most Catholic cities in the world, Porto celebrates the Holy Week festivities with great religious fervour. Throughout Holy Week in the city of Porto, devout locals take tours of the city's main historical churches, such as the Sé do Porto Cathedral, the Church of São Francisco, Igreja da Trindade, or Igreja e Tueste dos Clérigos, amongst others.  Good Friday is one of the most important days of the Holy Week events in Porto as this is when the locals experience the reenactment of the path that Jesus Christ followed and suffered until he was crucified. Christ is represented by an actor and carries a heavy wooden cross along this route on foot, while prayers and songs are sung along the way creating a highly moving and emotive atmosphere. For those seeking an Easter getaway in the Algarve, Loulé should be your destination of choice. In addition to the region's delightful climate and exceptional cuisine, the town is also renowned for its distinctive Easter traditions. The feast of the Mãe Soberana, patron saint of the city, is considered the largest religious festival south of Fatima and dates back to over 500 years ago.  The celebration begins on Easter Sunday (Festa Pequena) with a procession in which the faithful locals accompany the image of Nossa Senhora da Piedade from her sanctuary to the Church of São Francisco, where it remains for fifteen days (Festa Grande). Easter in Óbidos Turismo Centro PortugalÓbidos is a city that has been drawing an increasing number of Portuguese and international visitors every year, thanks to the wide range of events it hosts. The town's Easter celebrations, centred around its iconic castle, are among the most popular of these events. This vibrant festival spans two weeks, and during Holy Week, the town comes alive with deeply moving processions winding their way through its narrow, cobbled streets. The historic neighbourhoods of Alfama and Mouraria are particularly atmospheric during Easter, with their narrow winding streets and ancient churches. Visitors can join local residents in attending processions and experiencing traditional Portuguese Easter customs.  In addition to religious observances, Lisbon hosts various cultural events and activities during Easter. Concerts, exhibitions, and performances may take place in venues across the city, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in Portuguese arts and culture. A pastry chef prepares chocolate during the 2022 Obidos International Chocolate Festival in Obidos, Portugal, on March 26, 2022. (Photo by Pedro Fiuza/Xinhua) People take part in the 2022 Obidos International Chocolate Festival in Obidos, Portugal, on March 26, 2022. (Photo by Pedro Fiuza/Xinhua) Street artists perform during the 2022 Obidos International Chocolate Festival in Obidos, Portugal, on March 26, 2022. (Photo by Pedro Fiuza/Xinhua) and Nessie have all taken up residence on Amazon’s Seattle urban campus We tracked down the colorful history of key moments in the company’s evolution that went into naming some of the buildings you’ll find at Amazon today Influenced by everything from an old mattress factory to the pre-launch code names of some of the company’s biggest products it’s clear that inspiration comes in many forms.Page overview 1Amazon re:INVENT2Arizona3Bigfoot4Brazil5Dawson6Day 17Doppler8Fiona9Houdini10Lowflyinghawk11Nessie12Obidos13Ruby14Rufus15Van Vorst16Wainwright1Amazon re:INVENTNamed after AWS re:Invent the yearly learning conference hosted by Amazon Web Services (AWS) for the global cloud computing community that draws tens of thousands of participants this building is one of Amazon’s newest with a short sky bridge and retail shops on the first floor AWS customers are innovators who use Amazon Web Services to invent and try out big ideas which led to the name “re:Invent” for the annual conference AWS re:Invent is an opportunity for customers to learn strategies to optimize their use of the AWS cloud and take home new ideas that will help them invent within their own businesses The event is built around new product and service launches access to more than 2,000 technical sessions The Grand Canyon State is home to four Amazon fulfillment centers But the building in Seattle named “Arizona” actually gets its moniker from a range of customer service tools that were called Phoenix A mythical creature from the Pacific Northwest inspired the names of both the tool used to map specific products on Amazon.com to titles on IMDb—the Internet Movie Database that Amazon owns—as well as the “Bigfoot” building In “Bigfoot,” the design subtly reflects the landscape of the region Named after a tool used to build Amazon’s website the “Brazil” building boasts a specific theme: Customer Experience Around the World with each floor representing a different nation you’ll find an illustration of products and the fulfillment process specific to that country Harkening back to the company’s early days “Dawson” was named after the street where Amazon’s first fulfillment center was located The building is decorated to look like a fulfillment center with chain-link fences along the walls and kitchens shaped like big Amazon shipping boxes you’ll find a graffiti sign that was discovered and preserved from an abandoned warehouse in South Lake Union There’s also a robot in the lobby that represents future fulfillment center technology designed to eventually help associates stow totes filled with items people purchase online This building was named after a statement Jeff Bezos made in the 1997 shareholder letter. He said, “This is Day 1 for the Internet and, if we execute well, for Amazon.com.” Day 1 is an important mantra to many employees at Amazon Every day is Day 1 at Amazon because we are always trying something new A big part of the reason people come to work at Amazon is for a chance to make history - to try something that’s never been done before - where every day really is Day 1 you may think of Doppler weather radar that local newscasters talk about when big storms roll in “Doppler” refers to a 36-story building that opened to employees in December 2015 The name was drawn from the code name for Amazon’s Echo voice-activated speaker equipped with Alexa and a market that sells everything from flowers to frozen foods to kombucha growlers The building also houses a video game room and the Expressions Lab art studio a space intended to help promote employee creativity There is even an outdoor dog park on the 17th floor each floor features a variety of favorite (and often quite funny) customer reviews for products sold on Amazon.com This building was christened “Fiona” after the pre-launch code name for the Kindle e-reader The lobby of “Fiona” showcases a variety of Kindles from the first white device to the most recent In the early days of AWS, the most vocal AWS customer was an individual called 'low-flying-hawk' on AWS' user forums. The AWS team often sought low-flying-hawk’s thoughts on new features, pricing, and issues we were experiencing. Low-flying-hawk was like having a customer in our meetings, without actually being there. In the Amazon world, “Nessie” is not the Loch Ness Monster; it’s a system used to monitor spikes or trends on Amazon.com and also the name of one of Amazon’s buildings. The structure is heated using recycled energy, a first-of-its-kind system that is four times more efficient than using traditional heating. In addition to being the name of a town in Brazil located at the narrowest and swiftest part of the Amazon River, Obidos was also the name for the company’s original page-rendering engine. It appeared in many of Amazon’s early URLs before becoming the name of the “Obidos” building. Dorothy’s ruby red slippers in “The Wizard of Oz” were the inspiration for Ruby, the code name for Amazon’s apparel store. The elevator banks of the “Ruby” building are designed to look like the inside of steel shipping containers. A Corgi called Rufus was Amazon’s first dog and the inspiration for the name of the “Rufus” building. Now, more than 4,000 dogs come to work with their owners at Amazon every day. In the mid-1900s, this historic brick building housed the C.B. Van Vorst mattress factory. To pay tribute to the industrial warehouse neighborhood that South Lake Union once was, Amazon named the building “Van Vorst.” Throughout the structure, there are posters hanging on the walls showcasing company products and services that were launched throughout the years. The very first customer on Amazon.com was named Wainwright—so Amazon named a building after him. Fun fact: The first purchase Wainwright made on the site was the book “Fluid Concepts and Creative Analogies.” Amazon.comConditions of UseAmazon Privacy Policy© 1996-2025 Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates Text description provided by the architects. Design concepts & site conditions Back in 2010 the Óbidos Municipality launched an international architectural competition. The aim of the competition was to design the Central Buildings and Main Piazza for the Óbidos Technological Park, intended as a start-up built structure to allocate creative companies. © João MorgadoThe Technological Park site is located in the outskirts of Óbidos, a small and beautiful historic town located approximately one hundred kilometres north of Lisbon. The Óbidos region is still characterised by a mainly rural and balanced arrangement between forest and small agricultural premises, where paved surfaces spread trough this territory in an almost random way. The plot designated to build the Óbidos Technological Park main building and main piazza uses the place where before was located the main supply site for the A8 highway construction, that today links Lisbon to the north of the country. © João MorgadoThe design strategy proposes a solution that tries to reverse the ongoing pavement process in this territory, trough a solution that tries to reverse the this logic, increasing as much as possible the green surface. More than designing a building, the adopted strategy tries to (re)create a place where landscape is determinant for the spatial structure. © João MorgadoThe design also dealt with the competition programme, which, in strange way for us, was asking for a main piazza for a technological park in the middle of the countryside. This program premise was the reason to arise some design doubts. How to create a piazza in the middle of this particular and still beautiful countryside? How to design (draw) a piazza without an urban fabric surrounding and evolving such place? Ground Floor PlanIn several places of Portugal’s countryside still exist some interesting public spaces called “Terreiros”. Characterising some settlements or small villages, those convivial spaces range from a kind of formless shape almost without buildings surrounding them, to places completely integrated and evolved by small constructions. We found that, in a quite interesting way for us, the “terreiros”, those kind of large free spaces, where in fact quite effective public spaces despite its often formless borders. © João MorgadoMaintaining the convivial aims expressed in the competition brief, the design decision focused in the aim of creating a large public space with either an easy and flexible relation with the buildings surrounding it, either as a complement of the natural landscape. © João MorgadoIn parallel, further layers of knowledge contaminate and have given support to the ongoing design process. Two sources where of particular interest for the design team. One was the John Maeda’s book “The Laws of Simplicity” and the other the exhibition “The New Silk Roads” from Kyong Park, held at Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Castilla y Léon in Spain a few years ago. © João MorgadoOn top, above the created civic space and the (re)created and extended landscape, a huge but thin voided square, an office cloister, a frame, floats supported only in six points and delimits the space filtering the perspectives inwards and outwards. The decision to imbed part of the programme underneath the landscape aims several goals. One is to increase the green surfaces within the plot. The other is to decrease energy needs in terms of AVAC systems of the building. Finally, creating the new hill, reusing the land moved to locate the ground floor program, we could somehow suggest an southeast natural limit to the “terreiro”, avoid to spent energy in order to transport that land to other place and avoid to create an embankment elsewhere. © João MorgadoThe program was distributed in a very clear and simple way. At ground floor are located all the support support spaces as main meeting and multipurpose room, a Fablab, a small restaurant, some shops and main technical areas. On the floating cloister are located all the office units for the startup companies and a few labs. Both floors present large areas organised trough a modular structure providing huge flexibility to be adapted concerning the needs. Mainly three materials are used. Concrete, Steel and glass. Basically, ground floor is about rough concrete, expressed as a telluric structure. On purpose, all the marks of the building process where left, acting as a mural texture and a storyboard memory. Also on purpose, the rough plasticity of concrete was seen as a expression feature and towards spatial identity. All ground floor as do to with hearth, with its rough and heavy expression. Internal walls and floors are in concrete. A few appointments in wood (OSB panels) and painted black elements (reception counters, acoustic false ceilings, staircases) proposes an internal framework of perspectives, balancing the expression of concrete. © João MorgadoExternally, at ground floor, apart from windows (double thermal glass with natural color aluminium frame), two materials are used. Concrete and corten steel. The concrete floor is texturised with metal powder in order to slightly and randomly rust this pavement trough time. Part of the walls are covered by rusty corten steel panels. Those panels are made using standard modules of scaffold pavement units. © João MorgadoOpposed to ground floor, the first floor is all about geometry and clarity. A set of huge metal trusses, assembled to create four voided and interconnected prisms, builds a large and floating cloister. The structure rims the modularity of the startup units that occupy most of the space on this floor. © João MorgadoOn this floor, circulation is made trough a inner and naturally ventilated circulation, protected by a huge glass surface. External walls are made with light damp proof insulated panels and internal walls have been built with light dry gypsum panels system. © João MorgadoOn the circulation cloister the pavement is in folded perforated steel scaffold units and false ceiling his in light aluminium sheets The outer facade is completely covered by light translucent and transparent white membrane built with lacquered perforated steel scaffold units You'll now receive updates based on what you follow Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors If you have done all of this and still can't find the email Brani is a name that you might recognise for a number of reasons.  Perhaps you’ve seen him rocking out at various bars across central Portugal?  Maybe you caught him street busking during Covid and his desire to connect in a dystopian world struck a chord with you?  Or could you have seen him on Ídolos the Portuguese version of the reality TV show Pop Idol?   you’ve certainly heard him before with his vibe that’s reminiscent of Hendrix and The Rolling Stones amongst others With his first EP “Let Love Grow” launching to critical acclaim last year who was born in Croatia and has lived in six different countries but now calls Portugal home is ready to take fans of real music on another journey this summer….But this time the live music venue Prohibition Bar in Óbidos is along for the ride…And it’s a journey that will make for interesting travelling Brani says “My whole life has been about finding meaning the pursuit of happiness and taking risks to do that… not being afraid to try different things Life is full of twists and turns but around every corner is a new opportunity My new songs are about saying yes to that once-in-a-lifetime road trip Saying yes to those that you meet along the way” The bar opened its doors in April and is the only one of its kind in Portugal with over 70 local shareholders of different nationalities committed together to investing in and reviving a bar to serve residents and international tourists alike nestled beside the impressive 16th Century viaduct in the world-renowned castle town of Óbidos The bar is built around the theme of a 1920s speak-easy and aims to be the premier music venue on the Silver Coast hosting both indoor and outdoor music events several times a week Events and Music Director Richard Allen says “We jumped at the chance to join Brani on this journey with a great sound that takes us back to the good old days when music stood the test of time Both of those things are exactly what the Prohibition Bar are about.” he’ll be bringing nature and performance together with the new release Love Spell being launched at an exclusive gig on 28th June at the forest site of Boske near Ferrel It will feature elements from the single’s video with Brani adding “I don’t want to spoil the surprise but we’re really excited to bring the essence of a road trip to life on this special stage we’ll be making more pit stops back at the Prohibition Bar Brani’s new single Love Spell will be revealed in full at Boske, Ferrel on Friday, June 28th. More information from Brani.pt To book your free press ticket contact management@brani.pt T/m: (+351) 913 907 966 your new go-to podcast to spice up your weekday mornings with relevant news and behind-the-scenes from Brussels and beyond From the economy to the climate and the EU's role in world affairs this talk show sheds light on European affairs and the issues that impact on our daily lives as Europeans Tune in to understand the ins and outs of European politics Dare to imagine the future with business and tech visionaries Deep dive conversations with business leaders Euronews Tech Talks goes beyond discussions to explore the impact of new technologies on our lives the podcast provides valuable insights into the intersection of technology and society Europe's water is under increasing pressure floods are taking their toll on our drinking water Join us on a journey around Europe to see why protecting ecosystems matters and to discover some of the best water solutions an animated explainer series and live debate - find out why Water Matters We give you the latest climate facts from the world’s leading source analyse the trends and explain how our planet is changing We meet the experts on the front line of climate change who explore new strategies to mitigate and adapt Welcome to Obidos and its International Chocolate Festival each year around 200,000 visitors gather in this medieval Portuguese town to indulge on chocolate The theme of the festival this year is love “Obidos is a romantic town and many people come here to be with their significant other,” said Ricardo Ribeiro When we like someone we offer them chocolates And here is the place of the great love story between Pedro and Ines – so you have Obidos If there’s a real-life equivalent to Romeo and Juliet in Portugal it’s indeed the forbidden romance between Prince Pedro and Ines in the 14th century opposed the union and ordered to kill Ines but Pedro swore to avenge her and launched Portugal into civil war The tragedy has inspired many artists and poets across the centuriers it is being celebrated in Obidos with some mouth-watering sculptures But chocolate is not the easiest material to work with as artist Diogo Esteves explains: “We need to be careful with humidity because water ruins chocolate just like heat does This is why we use air conditioning to control the room’s temperature The sculptures cannot stand variations in temperature Children here get their own house of wonders where they can combine their favourite foods: pizza and chocolate complete with marshmallow and candy toppings… Yum Meanwhile grown-ups can drink up a traditional sour cherry liquor – in a chocolate cup The Obidos Chocolate Festival runs until May 3rd The brainchild of local mayor Telmo Faria and his wife Marta Garcia this mini eco resort is situated on the edge of a stunning lagoon and wetland reserve popular with birdwatchers and fishing enthusiasts designed by Portuguese architect Jorge Sousa Santos The cleverly sunken complex also offers visitors the chance to get their hands dirty in the organic garden and boasts an Eco Lab swimming pool and gourmet Maria Batata restaurant Guests in the ’carbon footprint’ suites can see how they measure up on departure Summer evenings are spent around wood-burning fires Leisure activities are encouraged by Telmo who recommends making home-baked pizzas riding bikes around the lake or signing up for workshops promoting eco-design awareness Alternatively you could hit the spa for treatments Turkish baths or a soak in Epsom salts in the candle-lit floatation room VIEW GOOGLE MAPS escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox Rupert Eden has worked for Wallpaper* magazine since 2010 covering everything Iberian from architecture and design to wellness and travel He is happiest championing sustainable projects featuring up-and-coming artisans or chefs The best place to spend Christmas in Portugal Capital do Natal Emma Donaldson 5 December 2024 If you're considering spending Christmas abroad While Portugal is often linked with summer holidays and sunshine experiencing Christmas in Portugal in December is truly delightful and offers a fantastic opportunity to explore the country Whether you’re looking for a cosy retreat in the countryside or the charm of an historic city adorned in Christmas lights Portugal offers a variety of unique destinations to celebrate the holiday season These are the best places to spend Christmas in Portugal Check out our recommendations below of the best places for a Christmas holiday in Portugal The Castle of Óbidos Wikimedia commonsÓbidos transforms into a Christmas wonderland during the holiday season the town becomes "Vila Natal" (Christmas Village) Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities while wandering through its cobbled streets lined with Christmas markets The highlight is the stunning Óbidos Castle which adds to the town’s fairy-tale charm during Christmas Óbidos at Christmas is a delightful destination for anyone seeking a festive The medieval town wall in Bragança Creative CommonsBragança offers a unique and charming Christmas experience The town is known for its well-preserved medieval castle and picturesque old town which look even more magical when adorned with Christmas lights and decorations including Christmas markets where you can find local crafts and delicacies with the scent of roasted chestnuts and traditional Portuguese holiday treats filling the air adds a magical touch to the Christmas season in Bragança It's an ideal destination for those who want to embrace Portuguese Christmas traditions in a peaceful and scenic setting with plenty of opportunities to enjoy local cuisine and explore the rich history of the area Castle of Santa Maria da Feira PixabaySanta Maria da Feira is a delightful destination to experience Christmas with a blend of tradition and festive cheer which becomes a stunning backdrop during the holiday season the town hosts a variety of Christmas events that make it a perfect festive getaway The highlight of Christmas in Santa Maria da Feira is its renowned "Feira Medieval de Natal" (Medieval Christmas Fair) where the town transforms into a medieval village Visitors can immerse themselves in this magical atmosphere and a wide range of local products and delicacies and the Christmas markets offer handmade gifts makes Santa Maria da Feira a fantastic destination for a traditional Portuguese Christmas experience Christmas tree in Lisbon Flickr Christmas in Lisbon is a truly magical time and while the city is always a fantastic destination the holiday season makes it even more special Lisbon becomes the brightest city in Portugal with dazzling light displays that are a must-see you can enjoy a variety of theatre performances and children’s workshops outdoor ice rinks provide entertainment for both adults and kids Don’t miss "Capital do Natal," Lisbon's enchanting Christmas theme park If you’re looking for the perfect gift or haven’t started your shopping yet the "Campo Pequeno" Christmas Market offers a wide selection of local products perfect for finding something unique to take home Cathedral of Guarda Wikimedia CommonsGuarda located in Portugal's Serra da Estrela region offers a picturesque and festive atmosphere for Christmas with its snow-capped mountains and charming medieval town centre Guarda's winter landscape provides a beautiful backdrop for the holiday season the town is beautifully decorated with festive lights including Christmas markets offering local handicrafts For those looking to experience a more traditional Portuguese Christmas with local choirs performing carols and holiday events taking place throughout the town The surrounding Serra da Estrela mountains also offer the possibility of winter sports and outdoor activities adding adventure to the festive experience With its combination of beautiful landscapes Guarda is a wonderful place to spend Christmas Mariana Carriço | Sul InformaçãoThe Algarve combining mild winter weather with festive charm While it may lack the traditional snow of other European destinations the Algarve compensates with beautiful coastal views and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for a holiday escape and Albufeira are adorned with bright lights and decorations complete with an ice rink and Christmas performances The Algarve is also home to several churches that host special Christmas services and you can enjoy the region’s rich gastronomy with traditional Portuguese holiday meals including roasted meats and delicious desserts the Algarve offers a lovely mix of festive spirit and scenic beauty making it an ideal destination for a Christmas getaway Portugal's Christmas weather is typically mild compared to much of Europe making it an attractive destination for those seeking a warmer holiday escape temperatures can range from 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F) with plenty of sunny days and cool evenings Portugal’s Christmas weather provides a pleasant mix of festive cheer and outdoor enjoyment Christmas markets in Portugal are a festive highlight during the holiday season featuring beautifully decorated stalls with handmade gifts The markets are also a great place to enjoy traditional Portuguese treats sweet pastries like "bolo rei" (king cake) ÓbidosChevron ChevronChevronPhotosSave this storySaveSave this storySaveReviewed by Jenna ScatenaWell, this doesn't exactly look like a bookshop—what's the deal?Livraria de Santiago occupies a cavernous 12th-century church, making it as much of a sightseeing point of interest as a functional book shop. Got it. So, what can we find here, or what should we look for?A broad selection of books, from paperbacks to hardcovers and out-of-print editions, line the shelves here. And while there are international selections in a variety of languages, you’ll find a particular comprehensive selection of Portuguese authors, past and present (and translated into English). Perfect. If money’s no object, what goes in the cart?Fill your bag with contemporary Portuguese poetry and fiction—there's a wealth of aspiring authors here. And … what if we’re on a strict budget?Anything by Fernando Pessoa, one of Portugal's favorite poets. We'll be sure to grab one of his works. Who else shops here?Literary lovers from throughout Portugal, visitors who want to know more about Portuguese literature, and curious passersby who have wandered into what they think is a church. Our kind of people! Any secret tips, or “don’t go home without” purchases?It’s easy to get distracted by the book-covered alter, but if you take the side staircase to the mezzanine, you'll see Portuguese women hard at work weaving traditional lace in a small atelier. How does one create a main piazza in the absence of a surrounding urban fabric that typically encloses a Piazza The design team around architect Jorge Mealha drew from its traditional Portuguese typologies and conceived the Óbidos Technological Park Main Building in the countryside north of Lisbon as contemporary interpretation of a Terreiro the project has already garnered a respectable nomination for the European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture – Mies van der Rohe Award 2015 From the architects: Back in 2010 the Óbidos Municipality launched an international architectural competition The aim of the competition was to design the Central Buildings and the Main Piazza for the Óbidos Technological Park intended as a built structure to allocate start-up creative business companies The Technological Park site is located in the outskirts of Óbidos a small and beautiful historic town located approximately one hundred kilometres north of Lisbon The Óbidos region is still characterised by a mainly rural presenting a still balanced arrangement between forest and small agricultural premises where small paved surfaces and buildings spread trough this territory in an almost random way The plot designated to build the Óbidos Technological Park main building and main piazza reuses the place where before was located the main construction supply site for the A8 highway that today links Lisbon to the north of the country The design strategy proposes a solution which tries to reverse the ongoing pavement process in this territory trough a solution aiming to reverse this logic trying to increase as much as possible the green surface the strategy adopted tries to (re)create an place with a civic realm where landscape is determinant for its spatial structure The design had also dealt with the competition programme was asking for a main piazza for a technological park in the middle of a countryside Those program premises where a reason to arise some design doubts How to create a piazza in the middle of this particular and still beautiful countryside How to design (draw) a piazza without an urban fabric surrounding and evolving such place Either as a result of negotiation trough time within the urban fabric convenes an all range of associated functions - housing etc - as seen in Piazza San Marco in Venice or as a baroque symbolic design as in Praça do Comércio in Lisbon or even as in Piazza Navona in Rome where the piazza overlaps is actual geometry on top of earlier premises and programes can not be separated from the urban realm that conforms and shapes its limits and purpose uses and geometry of several piazzas and the possible adequacy to the project site emerged during the design process as a quite strange and forced solution the inadequacy for us of trying to design a piazza without a urban fabric as been a key factor to look and try to search for alternative public spaces the design strategy shifted and tried to search for other kind of convivial spaces who could achieve the intended public realm without designing a piazza as such In several places of Portugal’s countryside still exist some interesting public spaces called “Terreiros” Characterising some settlements or small villages those convivial spaces range from a kind of formless shape almost without buildings surrounding them to a sort of regular places completely integrated and evolved by small constructions where in fact quite effective public realm devices despite its often formless borders small communities organise traditional corteges music concerts and traditional activities or games those civic spaces are very flexible and quite strong in providing opportunities to encounter and a wide range of convivial activities instead of proposing to draw a urban piazza as such the project shifted to propose a large public space with similar convivial characteristics as a piazza but much more flexible towards its relation with a building environment or geometry Maintaining the convivial aims expressed in the competition brief the design decision focused in the aim of creating a large public space with an either easy and flexible relation with the few buildings nearby but mainly as a complement of the surrounding natural landscape Other aspect concerned the qualities and characteristics of large buildings in this particular territory It was possible to notice that apart from the small built settlements that somehow mark this lusty territory we could notice some large farms or convents and monasteries scratching thin horizontal lines in the still mainly green landscape Those larger built structures marking the territory perspective with thin horizontal lines where of crucial importance for the design development the design tried to draw a building that would appear in the landscape mainly as a thin horizontal line the research and study of larger religious structures in the region namely as Batalha’s Monastery and Cristo’s Convent in Tomar revealed interesting aspects towards the competition programme The cloisters presented by those religious structures where of particular effectiveness for the requested programme communication and easy contact between users is a fundamental aspect a cloister structure is quite effective towards the possibility of a strong visual interaction the design process went also trough the possibility of creating a solution where a kind of cloister could be related with all other programme premises further layers of knowledge contaminate and have given support to the ongoing design process Two sources where of particular interest for the design team One was the John Maeda’s book “The Laws of Simplicity” and the other the exhibition “The New Silk Roads” from Kyong Park held at Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Castilla y Léon in Spain a few years ago This exhibition from Kyong Park dealt with the expression and registry in the territory of some actions resulting from negotiation contamination and balance that where similar to the ones emerged trough the premises of our design process in development The design for the projecto for Óbidos Technological Park Central Building was somehow balanced and supported by similar tactics towards territory and architecture The book from John Maeda “The Laws of Simplicity” as been used as a conceptual frame the design research and development tried to balance the programme’s requirements with solutions as simple as possible strongly contaminated by the law 10 on the book states that “simplicity is about subtracting the obvious and adding the meaningful” The resulting design proposal is at the end quite simple and somehow literal towards the addressed references One inner surface of the plot was partially paved with his limits suggesting a kind of natural - the result of an erosion process - borders have random large buttonholes in order to increase soil permeability two long walls incorporates part of the programme and sustain surrounding land a new hill is created reusing the land movements needed to imbed all the ground floor program of the building above the created civic space and the (re)created and extended landscape floats supported only in six points delimiting the space and filtering the perspectives inwards and outwards The decision to imbed part of the programme underneath the landscape aims several goals One is to increase the green surface within the plot The other is to decrease energy needs in terms of cooling/warming mechanical systems of the building creating the new hill - reusing the land moved to locate the ground floor program - we somehow suggest an southwest natural limit to the “terreiro” avoiding to spent energy with the transport of that land to other places and thus avoid to create an embankment elsewhere The program was distributed in a very clear and simple way At ground floor are located all the support spaces as the main meeting and multipurpose room The floating cloister absorbs almost all the office units for the startup companies and a few labs Both floors present large areas organised trough a modular structure providing huge flexibility to be adapted concerning the needs expressed as a telluric structure belonging to hearth all the marks of the building process where left acting as a mural texture and a storyboard memory the emphasis on the rough plasticity of concrete was seen as a expression feature and towards spatial identity A few appointments in wood (OSB textured panels) and black painted elements (reception counters staircases) proposes an internal framework of perspectives balancing with the expression of the concrete walls apart from windows (double thermal glass with natural color aluminium frame) The external concrete floor is texturised with metal powder in order to slightly and randomly stain with rust this pavement troughout time Part of the walls are covered by rusty corten steel panels Those panels are made using standard modules of scaffold (ref the first floor is all about geometry and precision assembled to create four voided and interconnected prisms builds a large and floating square cloister The structure rims the modularity of the startup office units that occupy most of the space on this floor circulation is made trough a inner and naturally ventilated circulation External walls are made with light damp proof insulated panels and internal walls have been built with light dry gypsum panels system the circulation pavement is in folded perforated steel scaffold units and false ceiling are in light aluminium suspended sheets Structural Engineering: José Ferraz & Associados – Serviços de Engenharias e Consultoria Construction Company: MRG Engenharia e Construção S.A Cost/m2 including external spaces & landscape: 1,076 €/m2 ShowCase is an on-going feature series on Archinect presenting exciting new work from designers representing all creative fields and all geographies We are always accepting nominations for upcoming ShowCase features - if you would like to suggest a project, please send us a message Alexander Walter Alexander Walter grew up in East Germany with plenty of Bratwurst. He studied Architecture and Media Design at Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, Germany, and participated in foreign exchange programs with Washington-Alexandria Architecture Consortium in Alexandria, Virginia and Waseda University in ... Use of irregularities quite successful  I would have filled it with more trees.  When the trees inside the courtyard grow it will be spectacular I would love to have made such a nice building Are you sure you want to block this user and hide all related comments throughout the site Your comment will be visible once approved the last project with which Severiano Ballesteros was involved before his death last year designed the Royal Óbidos course for Portuguese develop MSF TUR.IM The course was constructed by Spanish-based contractor Garden & Golf and is located outside the historic city of Óbidos The 65 hectare course and associated resort represent an investment of €200 million by the developers the resort’s director of golf said: “The Royal Óbidos project is characterised by the concept of overall quality which provides a totally customer-focused golf experience The playability of the course provides a challenge to players of all levels while the cold climate grasses used ensure a homogenous golf course 365 days a years.” The development includes a five star hotel Living overseas since 2011 Terry and her husband went on a housesitting assignment to Portugal in 2018 and they knew they’d found a place they wanted to call home When David Bantz suggested to his wife Sharie Korter that they retire to Portugal Sharie and David were 70 and 71 years old and still working just to make ends meet in Portland There was no way they could stop working and retire there with the high cost of living “It was costing us $4,000 a month just for our house which included over $7,000 a year for property taxes,” says David “And that didn’t include utilities or anything else.” Sharie owned and ran her own day spa in Portland and David spent nearly 30 years as a land developer They explored much of Europe and enjoyed taking Segway tours in the major cities “It is a fun way to get around and our guides have been great,” Sharie says One country stood out and they returned time after time: Portugal Ultimately it captured their hearts and they knew they wanted to make it home “It was the Portuguese people that really sealed the deal for us,” David says even to those of us that don’t speak the language Europeans just work to live and find plenty of time to relax with friends and family.” Eventually, David convinced his wife to take the plunge and move to Portugal they would be able stop working and enjoy life In 2019 they sold their house in Oregon along with their businesses They fell in love with the country’s Silver Coast since it had similar weather to Oregon—summers are spring-like and winters are mild with rain—and began to search for a home there The cobblestoned streets pass through a historic the road comes to a dead end at the famed castle that once served as a defense to protect the city Óbidos comes alive with a yearly medieval festival and Christmas village that lights up the town During the holiday season the entire wall of the city is decorated with white lights that shine as a beacon from miles away Tourists flock there in summer to enjoy a shot of the famous ginjinha of Óbidos is a made with ginja berries that are infused with alcohol Every shop sells the delightful drink in tiny or milk chocolate at a price of just one euro David and Sharie found the perfect home just a 10-minute walk outside the walled city “is that we can sit outside on our terrace and see Óbidos castle.” They paid €185,000 ($215,433) for the home Their property taxes here are just $350 a year As for Sharie’s friends… “I never really left them,” she says “I just have to open my computer on the kitchen counter and there they are.” Although David and Sharie are retired they enjoy taking long walks in the countryside in an effort to get in 10,000 steps or more per day “We need to stay active in order to compensate for all the wine we drink,” David says “I cannot believe that restaurants make any money at all selling glass of wine for just $1.50,” Sharie adds A typical meal with wine costs less than $20 for two David and Sharie estimate that they live on about one-third of the money they lived on in Oregon “Since our house is paid for and we can walk most places which saves us from using the car all the time we live comfortably on about $2,000 per month,” says David They bought a health insurance policy from their bank at a cost of just $130 per month for the two of them “It does only cover 50% of our healthcare costs but with healthcare here costing so much less than the U.S. “We have made many friends in the years that we have lived here and I feel so blessed,” Sharie adds Discover why we love a slower pace of life Portugal and info on other European countries in our daily postcard e-letter Simply enter your email address below and we’ll send you a FREE REPORT – Explore the Old World in Laidback Portugal The 12 Historic Towns of Portugal Is Portugal a Safe Place to Live? 5 Places to Live in Portugal; 2 To Avoid NOTE: There's a village built among massive boulders That's what AP writer Kristen De Groot found when she and her husband decided to travel the back roads of Portugal this fall They tried to avoid the usual tourist sites in favor of smaller cities and mountain villages Their digital navigator led them down ancient roads and narrow cobbled city streets as they explored a triangle-shaped portion of Portugal They looked down on a rainbow from a slick wet mountain road The route roughly took them from Lisbon to Porto to Monsanto to Évora and back to Lisbon Here's De Groot's first-person account of this unique journey As we steered our rented hatchback up the narrow gravel road behind the walled city of Óbidos we had the sinking feeling that Google Maps’ idea of the best route to the popular tourist destination wasn’t the standard way there The gap-toothed ramparts loomed in the distance to our right and ahead a stereotype of a castle that a child would draw: vertical rectangle A dog barked from somewhere down the hillside and as we reached the walls of the old city you wanted to get off the beaten path,” my husband said and entered Óbidos literally through the back door What did happen was we found ourselves at the top of the walled city near a few raptor handlers sitting with their owls hawks and falcons under a wooden structure The goal for our very first trip to Portugal was to find smaller cities mountain villages and activities that wouldn't mean standing in long lines with other tourists Our digital navigator led us down ancient Roman roads and narrow cobbled city streets as we explored a more or less scalene triangle-shaped portion of Portugal this fall traveling from Lisbon to Porto to Monsanto to Évora and back to Lisbon Choosing to stay inland before heading to the island of Berlenga led us to Lourinhã, where we stayed in a converted ancient windmill and discovered the region’s famous brandy. As the only visitors to the facility that day, we were treated to a private tour of Adega Cooperativa da Lourinhã one of only three demarcated brandy regions in Europe The English-language guide and her school-age son gave us a spin around the aging barrels and the women in the packaging department let us dip bottles of what they call aguardente into red wax to seal them We next ventured via ferry to the island of Berlenga about 10 km (6.2 miles) off the fishing village of Peniche It’s a pink chunk of granite jutting out of the turquoise-to-emerald-green waters of the Atlantic Most visitors come in the morning and leave in the early evening The handful of rooms available offer exquisite views of the water with schools of fish visible even from high above — a dreamy sunset viewing spot Raucous birdsongAfter swimming in the bracing water at the main beach where a snorkeler showed an octopus to a group of screeching 20-something Dutch men we enjoyed a sparkling sangria and Sagres beer soaking in the views and waiting for our fellow tourists to leave for the day Only a small group of local fishermen and the occupants of two other rooms at the inn could be found When the proprietor told us we would hear some birdsong in the night I imagined they would sound like the adorable coqui in Puerto Rico it was somewhat like a toddler screaming “Ow owowowowowowowow!” while standing by our bedside Being awake at the crack of dawn after a night of screeching birds had its benefits We spent the morning hiking to the 17th century fort at the opposite side of the island down a path lined with tiny succulents and bright yellow flowers After a few days back in the tourist crowds in Porto choosing a route through the Parque Nacional da Serra da Estrela and winding switchbacks met terrifying wet dirt roads that hovered over sheep down the foggy mountainside Stopping at the hilltop village of Belmonte a historic Jewish population and some of the best cheese of our trip What we thought would be a basic lunch at a nondescript taverna ended up being a great meal at a shop that sold wheels of Serra sheep cheese made by the owner’s cousin It was an afternoon stop that could easily have merited a few days’ exploration We arrived in the late afternoon at our Airbnb just below Monsanto a magical mountaintop village where residents built their abodes in and around massive boulders The rain paused and we decided to hike the Roman road behind our inn up to the village and the walk back in the near dark was slippery on the ancient stones The caretaker of the inn suggested we explore the nearby village of Penha Garcia ancient water mills and fossils to discover was the swimming hole nestled beneath the steep rocky hillside Google maps led us to what it deemed a road but was more of a gravel walkway flanked by donkeys under olive trees British-accented English that we were free to park in front of his red-tiled-roof stone home The donkeys were happy to see us as we made our way to the natural pool fed by the Ponsul River We ate a few bites of our picnic lunch before plunging into the cold water and splashing under a waterfall Vestiges of the RomansLeaving Monsanto for Évora once prosperous and bustling with a long Roman history but now home to a population of a few dozen It boasts a ruin of a Knights Templar tower We then descended into the Alentejo region and cows and sheep took in the shade beneath them and nodded at the women sitting and knitting outside their whitewashed homes we opted for the sitting-and-eating type of tourism rather than the walking-around-exploring brand We did take a journey up to the Temple of Diana and stood in line for the (somewhat creepy) chapel containing the bones of an estimated 5,000 people and had the best meal of the trip at Restaurante Fialho medallions of the famous local black pork and baked dog fish Driving in the rain to catch our flight home we talked about how we felt we had seen much of Portugal but how in reality it was such a small slice of the country and a tiny taste of each place we spent time in “It’s like I was served the most delicious sandwich of my life and I took one bite and I’m having to just get up and leave the restaurant,” my husband said We agreed that we'll have to come back again to finish the meal the country of Portugal has been engulfed in wildfires this past week Casualties: At least 31 people are dead, BBC reported Monday. The wildfires have left more than 50 people injured with local media saying “several people are still missing … including a 1-month-old baby,” BBC reported How many more?: Firefighters are still battling 145 separate fires Conditions: With Hurricane Ophelia hitting Europe and bringing fierce winds Civil protection spokeswoman Patricia Gaspar called this past Sunday “the worst day of the year in terms of forest fires,” according to The Guardian. State of emergency: Portugal declared a state of emergency for regions north of the Tajo River Portugal’s secretary of state of internal administration told The Guardian that the fires destroyed homes factories and businesses and they “had been set deliberately.” Fires in Spain: About 105 fires reportedly burned in the Galicia region in neighboring Spain. Four people have died, while thousands have been evacuated, ABC News reported. Arsonists are likely the cause of the fires the head of the regional government of Galicia “All of Galicia is weeping this morning for our razed hills but especially for the loss of human lives,” he said Previous fires: ABC News reported that wildfires blazed through Portugal in June An investigation found that authorities failed to evacuate people in time for the fires At the same time: Wildfires continue to burn across California. As CNN reported the fires have left 40 people dead while burning 5,700 structures Firefighters made progress over the weekend after winds slowed down "We are not out of the woods yet; there's still fires burning.” Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon We help you navigate a myriad of possibilities Sign up for our newsletter for the best of the city By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush) Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. Lisbon Óbidos is a picturesque place that is full of history Before being officially recognised by UNESCO Óbidos had already established itself as a literary town thanks to initiatives by Lisbon-based bookseller Ler Devagar In your stroll within the old townwalls you will encounter seven bookshops in original places whose walls – and altar – are covered with newand secondhand books an organic fruit and vegetable market that also sells used books displayed in produce crates that are piled up to the ceiling It may be clichéd but it is essential in Óbidos: loose yourself within the old town walls There is no betterway to get to know this town Here dozens of shops sell crafts and there are ranks of houses painted white whose foundations are Roman but which has been rebuilt several times over the past millennium One good site to get your strength back after your walk is the Tasca Torta (Rua Direita 81 A) before moving on to the espetada de secretos (flavoursome pork belly) on a bed of honeyed corn grits There is a famous drink from Óbidos (and also from Lisbon In recent years the fashion has been to drink it from a chocolate cup – finishing by eating it It all started at the Loja do Vinho in Rua Direita and so that is perhaps the right place to try it If you are the kind of person that likes to try everything once we suggest you hire a Twizy at Óbidos tourist office (€12/30mins) It is a tiny electric car that makes no noise or pollution and which you can drive to the Lagoa de Óbidos the largest lagoon in the Iberian peninsula – and in our opinion the prettiest canoeing or stand-up paddleboarding lessons on its relatively placid waters On the WayThis part of Portugal is called Oeste (meaning ‘West’) but you can find the Oriente here Buddha Eden was dreamed up by magnate José 'Joe’ Berardo in response to the destruction by the Taliban of the giant figures at Bamyan in Afghanistan It has dozens of statues of the buddha dotted around 35 hectares on the Quinta dos Loridos estate in Bombarral as well as a lake with a Chinese-style pavilion and koi carp Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! facebookinstagramAbout us Contact us The ice rinks are back in Lisbon and in places close to the capital Take a look at our guide to having a great time The Christmas season is here and there are more and more amusements on offer in the city of Lisbon and when it comes to ice rinks in and around Lisbon We’ve already shown you some of the various Christmas markets that are returning to the streets and squares of Greater Lisbon this year Oeiras Parque will be taking the magic of Christmas to a new level with a new experience in the mall: a 140m2 ice rink which will guarantee hours of entertainment laughter and memories for those who venture out to skate It will also have ambient music and seasonal decorations and will be available for adults and children at the main entrance Address: Avenida António Bernardo Cabral de Macedo (Oeiras) Opening hours: until December 15 on weekdays from 2pm to 9pm; weekends from 10am to 9pm; from December 16 to January 5 every day* from 10am to 9pm (*except on December 24 and 31 Tickets: adult: €4; child (up to 12 years old): €3; family (2 adults + 2 children + 2 belugas): €14; Daily Pass (Adult or Child): €11.50; Weekly Pass (Adult or Child): €20; Belugas (skating support): €2.50; Gloves: €2.50 The UBBO ice rink is located in the shopping center’s Central Square and will remain there, waiting for you, until January 12, 2025. To skate on this rink with your friends or family, you’ ll have to pay €5 to have fun for 20 minutes… or until you fall too many times to get up. Address: Avenida Cruzeiro Seixas 5 e 7 (Amadora) Opening hours: every day from 11am to 10pm Tickets: €5 for 20 minutes; €8 for 40 minutes; €16 for families (2 adults and 2 children) for 20 minutes View this post on Instagram A post shared by UBBO (@ubbo.pt) This edition will return to Parque Eduardo VII to the delight of many children and adults, and will remain there until January 5, 2025. As well as all the areas you can visit, from the Christmas Village to the slides and the Ferris wheel, it has an ice rink with capacity for more than 100 people to skate at the same time. Entry to Wonderland Lisboa is free and you can enjoy the ice rink for 20 minutes, also free of charge. Address: Parque Eduardo VII (Marquês de Pombal) Opening hours: November 29, 2024 to January 5, 2025 (Fridays from 1pm to midnight; Saturdays from 10am to midnight); December 2 to 20 (Monday to Thursday from 1pm to 10pm); December 1 to 8 (Sundays from 10am to 10pm); December 15, 22, 29 and January 5 (Sundays from 10am to 11pm); December 23 to January 3 (Monday to Thursday from 1pm to 11pm); December 24 and 31 from 10am to 4pm; December 25 and January 1 from 4pm to 10pm. Tickets: free View this post on Instagram A post shared by Wonderland Lisboa (@wonderlandlisboa) This year, the theme of the Christmas at the Enchanted Palace event in Oeiras is “Family Magic” And what better way to have fun this Christmas than on ice skates The party will take place mainly inside the palace where the little ones will find plenty of reasons to extend their visit As well as all the entertainment you and your family can enjoy at the Cascais Christmas Village, there’s one that’s going to be a lot of fun: skating on the ice rink go to Parque Marechal Carmona to enjoy a skating session that we’re sure will be a lot of fun Address: Marechal Carmona Park Schedule: every day between November 23, 2024 and January 5, 2025 Tickets: on the website View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cascais Christmas Village (@cascaischristmasvillage) Address: Adão Barata Park (Loures) Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 5pm to 11pm; Saturdays and Sundays from 2pm to 11pm Tickets: free It’s also where you’ll find one of the most incredible ice rinks much to the delight of children and adults alike As well as the fireworks, the Christmas train, the giant nativity scene and the shopping market, at Christmas in Alenquer you’ll also be able to skate on these ice rinks Address: Romeira Urban Park (Alenquer) Hours: November 30, 2024 to January 6, 2025 Tickets: on the website The underground rapid transit lines have been under construction for almost two decades due to various project delays The cross pinnacle on the Tower of Jesus Christ will be ready to receive visitors in 2026 on the centennial of Gaudi’s death Now you can get your wine in Talence by paying directly in Bitcoin That’s because the state has to spend money on updating the railway infrastructure rather than subsidizing the cost of the popular pass Steffen Romstöck said that he would respect the residents’ choice and would take over the helm of the municipality which will come into force from 1 January 2025 Rethinking renewable energy sources for the urban landscape But operating them is still illegal under the country’s legislation can inform and inspire communities and entrepreneurs that still feel trepidation at the prospect of energy transition it has a unique modular design that allows it to be shortened and lengthened like a train that’s the promise made by the mayor of Paris the district has long been known as the hangout spot for the artsy crowds Hostal de Pinós is located in the geographical centre of the autonomous region the ranking considers several distinct but essential factors these quiet areas will now be available on all main routes in the country The academic institution shows a deeper understanding of the well-being of its students It is open on Thursdays to Sundays between July 13 and August 6 The town of Óbidos will travel back in time and recreate the customs and spirit of medieval Europe Flowing vibrant banners and heraldic flags musicians and mimes provide the vivacious merriment Craft demonstrators and some 100 types of food beverage and merchandise vendors take visitors to a time that has long passed  It is open on Thursdays to Sundays between July 13 and August 6 Partaking in a medieval supper is a festival highlight These are held on Friday and Saturday evening Entertainment activities take place in all three stages of the Old Arms Square and in random areas of the fair.  Visitants will also come upon two civil and military camp sites The 10th European Conference on Sustainable Cities and Towns (ESCT) sets the stage for stronger cooperation between the EU national and local level to fast track Europe's transition to climate neutrality Urban dwellers across the EU are having a say in making their surroundings friendlier to people and the environment Forests in the EU can help green the European construction industry and bolster a continent-wide push for architectural improvements Apply by 10 November and do your part for the transformation of European public spaces An interview with the Mayor of a Polish city that seeks to reinvent itself An interview with the newly elected ICLEI President and Mayor of Malmö A conversation with the Mayor of Lisbon about the spirit and dimensions of innovation present in the Portuguese capital