Óbidos - Terence Austin Artist

Óbidos

Óbidos the town that time forgot

Unique, the word is often spaded all over the mundane and ordinary. I always try to use it sparingly; however, rules are made to be broken. Undeniably, Óbidos the hillside Silver Coast town is a Portuguese treasure, a national monument and a site that is genuinely unique! This gem of a town, beautiful and charming, dreamy and romantic is a place where the Renaissance met the Baroque and lived happily ever after. Its romance was sealed with a kiss in history ever since the town that time forgot, was gifted through marriage by a King to his adoring Queen. Today, this gift is more of a magical artistic legacy.

One glimpse at Óbidos demonstrates a pictorial pedigree. Cloistered cobbled streets, sweeping townscape vistas, antiquated gesso encrusted walls and ornate churches deliver atmosphere ensuring masterpieces in pen, pencil and paint.

From afar, you can marvel at the surrounding verdant, leafy orchards and bountiful vineyards. Revel in the town´s typography as obliging Óbidos tips itself forward so the eye can search this pictorial chocolate box. It has formidable walls providing a stunning frame around the architecture for a multitude of compositions.

Light is everywhere, it fills shadows with form and hues ricocheting like a pinball from faded whitewashed walls. With golden afternoons of heat and blue starry nights your artistic palette will be whetted.

There is always something to ignite your imagination here all year round. You can indulge in the sweet temptations of the famous Óbidos Chocolate Festival, experience Christmases past in the Vila Natal Christmas event, there`s pageant, pomp and jousting in a medieval fair and summer’s balmy evenings ring out in song and drama when the town hosts an internationally acclaimed Óbidos Opera Festival.

So why not explore your talents through activity and pay a visit to Óbidos you will probably make it a happy habit.