So today Sunday we decided to take a drive to Obidos but decided to stop at other places.
Our first stop was S. Bernardino near Peniche.
São Bernardino (S. Bernardino) is a small coastal village located near Peniche, in the central-western part of Portugal. It is part of the municipality of Peniche in the Leiria district and is known for its scenic beaches, tranquility, and traditional Portuguese charm. Here’s an overview of what makes São Bernardino and its surroundings notable:
1. Beaches:
São Bernardino is famous for its beautiful beach, Praia de São Bernardino, which is a small, sheltered beach with golden sand and clear waters. It's popular among locals for sunbathing and surfing, especially during the summer months. The beach is known for being less crowded than some of the larger, more famous beaches in the Peniche area, offering a peaceful environment.
Surfing: While the beach itself isn’t as famous for surfing as nearby Peniche or Baleal, the area is part of Portugal’s surf capital, and there are nearby surf spots that attract surfers from all over the world.
The Chapel of Santa Filomena in São Bernardino, near Peniche, Portugal, is a small but significant religious structure within the local community. While the chapel may not be as widely known or grand as other churches, it holds importance for locals and pilgrims who have a special devotion to Santa Filomena.
Architecture: The chapel likely reflects the traditional, simple rural style common to Portuguese villages. It’s typically modest in design, blending with the local landscape. Its whitewashed exterior is typical of the region, and it may feature a small bell tower or cross at the front, as is common in rural chapels.
Dedication to Santa Filomena, though not widely known in modern mainstream Catholicism, has been revered for her miraculous powers, particularly for healing and intercession. Devotion to her grew in the 19th century after the discovery of her relics in the Catacombs of Rome. People often come to this chapel to pray for health, protection, and assistance with difficult life circumstances.
Cultural and Religious Role: The chapel serves as a focal point for religious ceremonies and local gatherings. It is likely that feast days dedicated to Santa Filomena (often celebrated on August 11) are marked with special masses and processions. These events typically bring together the community, and in smaller villages like São Bernardino, they can be deeply intertwined with local traditions.
Óbidos is a charming, medieval town located in central Portugal, about 85 kilometers north of Lisbon. It’s famous for its well-preserved historic architecture, cobblestone streets, and surrounding walls, which give it the feel of a living museum.
1. The Castle of Óbidos
The town is dominated by a 12th-century castle, which is one of the best-preserved medieval fortifications in Portugal. It has been transformed into a luxury hotel (pousada), offering visitors the chance to stay within the historic walls.
2. Medieval Walls
The town is encircled by medieval walls that visitors can walk along for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. These walls were built to protect the town and remain largely intact today.
3. Charming Streets
Inside the walls, Óbidos is filled with narrow, winding streets lined with whitewashed houses adorned with colorful flowers. The streets are dotted with traditional shops selling local crafts, regional products, and the town's famous cherry liqueur, Ginjinha.
Óbidos is famous for Ginjinha, a sweet cherry liqueur typically served in small chocolate cups. It’s a local specialty that’s popular with visitors, and you’ll find it sold throughout the town.
Óbidos is known for its cultural events, including:
The Medieval Market: Held in July, this event transforms the town into a medieval fair, with jousting tournaments, traditional music, and historical reenactments.
Óbidos International Chocolate Festival: An annual event where master chocolatiers from around the world come to showcase their creations.
Christmas Village: During the holiday season, Óbidos turns into a magical Christmas village with festive decorations and attractions.6.
In recent years, Óbidos has also been recognized as a “Literary Town,” with many of its spaces converted into bookshops, galleries, and cultural venues. This initiative was part of the town's inclusion in the UNESCO Creative Cities network.
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