Church of Saint Mary

We came during Easter time and it was very nicely decorated and even had chairs for the performance outside (in front of the church). Inside it has a combination of elaborate blue tile decorations, drawings on wood (if I figured it out correctly) and beautiful statues. So, take your time to visit it and marvel at the beauty both inside and outside!

Many of the reviews speaks about the history and the interior of the church, I would like to skip all that and talk to you about the feeling when I saw the Igreja de Santa Maria for the first time. I saw a structure where light and form converge in tranquil unity. Its simplicity speaks of an organic purity, as though it was not built but gently grown from the heart of the earth. The exterior, with its restrained elegance, feels like the shell of a nautilus—smooth, spiraling, and unassuming, quietly protecting the treasures within. It lacks the flamboyance of extravagance yet commands respect through its humility, a reflection of the soul of the town it resides in. The Igreja de Santa Maria is a meditation in form, a prayer in design. It whispers that architecture should not dominate but rather converse with the world around it, offering beauty not as spectacle but as solace. It is a sanctuary where the human and the divine touch, not with grandeur but with grace.

The Church of Saint Mary (Igreja de Santa Maria) in Óbidos is absolutely stunning! Situated in the heart of this charming medieval town, it exudes history and beauty. The architecture is breathtaking, blending Gothic and Renaissance styles harmoniously. Inside, the intricate azulejo tiles and detailed artwork are mesmerizing. I especially loved the painted ceiling—it feels like stepping back in time. It's a peaceful and spiritual place that offers a quiet retreat from the bustling streets outside. Whether you're interested in history, architecture, or just looking for a serene spot, this church is a must-visit. Don’t forget to explore the surrounding area; Óbidos is magical!

History has it that the church of Saint Mary has been in existence since 1737. It has a beautiful scenery. In front of it there's a place children can skate, beside it there's a nice eating spot for tourist. Inside the church itself is scenery and one can get every information about the church from pamphlets

Likewise many other Churches on the Iberian peninsula, this one was also built over the Mosque when the Moors were defeated in 12c and rebuilt later in middle ages. Santa Maria occupies the main village square and can be seen from the Castle ramparts, so you cannot miss it. Beautiful Azulejos tile work inside along with a terrific altar and painted ceiling.

Marian worship in a village of queens. According to tradition, the origin of this church dates back to the Visigoth period, having been converted into a mosque during the Muslim era and reconverted to Christianity after D. Afonso Henriques conquered the village, in 1148, consecrating it to the Marian cult. From 1210 onwards, the town of Óbidos became part of the Casa das Rainhas, having benefited from artistic and religious patronage from the Crown for the next six hundred years. The various interventions in the Church of Santa Maria are a testament to this fact. The temple that stands today in Praça de Santa Maria, at the end of Rua Direita, dates from the 16th century and was built on the initiative of Queen D. Leonor, wife of D. João II. It was in this church that, on the 15th of August 1441, the Infante D. Afonso (later King D. Afonso V of Portugal) married his cousin D. Isabel, when he was ten and she was eight years old. From 1571, given its state of ruin, it was profoundly remodeled, under the order of Queen D. Catarina of Austria, taking on its current configuration. At the entrance, over the Mannerist portal, there is an image of Nossa Senhora da Assunção, patroness of the parish. Next to the altar, the Renaissance tomb of D. João de Noronha (“O Moço”), who was mayor of Óbidos in the 16th century, deserves to be admired. It is a masterpiece of Renaissance tomb sculpture, attributed to the Frenchman Nicolau Chanterenne. In addition, paintings by Baltazar Gomes Figueira and the famous Josefa de Óbidos (1634-1684) can be seen, who combined the profane and the sacred in atmospheres of gentle sensuality and mysticism, as in the altarpiece dating from 1611, which represents the Wedding Mystic of Santa Catarina, and is exposed in the sacristy. Much of the work of this remarkable painter (and the church's collection) is preserved in museums, namely in Óbidos. The walls, covered from top to bottom with 18th-century tiles, and the painted wooden covering produce a beautiful decorative effect, designed by Francisco de Azevedo Caminha, also in the 17th century. In the square in front of the church, the stone pillory is decorated with a fishing net. D. Leonor thus wanted to pay homage to the fishermen who collected the body of her son D. Afonso in a net, who died after a fall from a horse on the bank of the Tagus.

It is one of those small churches in Obidos. It is very beautiful, simple and quiet. It is absolutely peaceful. You may also try to lit some candles like I did.

One of the many churches in the Obidos area. Fairly small, but there's some interesting Catholic enshrined. Just remember to not use flash when photographing and to be mindful of people praying. There's a 50 Euro tithe for anyone who wants to light a candle. A fair nomination to support the church.

This azuleo lined church of Saint Mary was originally a Visigoth Temple in the 8th century. Located right off the square on Rua Direita.