did the queen visit portugal

Did the Queen ever visit Portugal?

As a travel writer, I always find it fascinating to explore the historical journeys of royals around the world. One such journey took place in 1957 when Queen Elizabeth II embarked on her first official visit to Portugal. During this three-day visit, she had the opportunity to experience the rich culture and heritage of this incredible country.

Discovering Portugal

During Queen Elizabeth II’s visit to Portugal in 1957, she had the pleasure of exploring some of the most iconic landmarks and attractions this country has to offer. Her visit began with a delicious lunch at Palácio da Bolsa, where she experienced the famous Portuguese cuisine. She also had the chance to visit the Feitoria Inglesa do Porto, a historically significant trading post that showcases Portugal’s important role in global trade.

Exploring Lisbon and Beyond

While in Portugal, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip had the privilege of visiting various cities and sites. They received a warm welcome in Lisbon, where a parade was held in their honor at Praça do Comércio. They also ventured outside the capital to visit the beautiful Monasteries of Santa Maria, Alcobaça, Santa Maria da Vitória in Batalha, and Nazaré. These breathtaking monasteries are not only architectural marvels but also hold deep historical significance in the country.

From Italy to Hungary: The Queen’s Royal Visits

While her visit to Portugal in 1957 was significant, Queen Elizabeth II had the opportunity to explore numerous countries throughout her reign. Italy was one of the countries she visited multiple times, starting with her first visit as Princess Elizabeth in 1951. Over the course of her 70-year reign, Queen Elizabeth II made four state visits to Italy.

Similarly, Queen Elizabeth II’s visit to Hungary took place in 1993. Although she only visited Hungary once during her reign, she expressed her long-standing desire to explore the country. This visit allowed her to experience the rich culture and heritage of Hungary firsthand.

Spain: A Rare Royal Visit

During her extensive reign, Queen Elizabeth II visited Spain only once. This official visit took place in 1988 when she became the first British monarch to visit Spain in an official capacity. While her ancestors, Queen Victoria and King Edward VII, had visited unofficially in the past, this visit marked a historic moment in the relationship between the two countries.

Queen Elizabeth II’s Extensive Travels

Throughout her reign, Queen Elizabeth II embarked on an impressive number of trips, visiting numerous countries around the world. As the head of the Commonwealth of nations, she made it a point to visit every member country and island nation at least once. Her dedication to these visits led her to undertake approximately 180 trips, showcasing her commitment to fostering strong relationships with Commonwealth nations.

Unveiling the Fascinating History of Lisbon

As I delve into the history of Queen Elizabeth II’s visit to Portugal, it’s worth exploring the rich background of Lisbon itself. The city holds a deep historical significance and is regarded as one of the oldest cities in the world, predating other modern European capitals like London, Paris, and Rome. Established by pre-Celtic tribes and later inhabited by Phoenicians, Lisbon has a fascinating history that stretches back to ancient times.

The Queen’s Love for Canada

While Queen Elizabeth II visited numerous countries during her reign, one country holds a special place in her heart – Canada. Throughout her reign, she visited Canada an astounding 27 times, making it the country she visited more than any other. As Canada is a member of the Commonwealth, Queen Elizabeth II remains its head of state, and her visits symbolize the strong ties between Canada and the United Kingdom.

Answering Your FAQs

1. Did the Queen ever visit Spain? Yes, Queen Elizabeth II made an official visit to Spain in 1988, becoming the first British monarch to do so.

2. Which country did the Queen visit most? Canada holds the record as the country the Queen visited most, with a total of 27 visits.

3. Did the Queen visit Italy? Queen Elizabeth II visited Italy on multiple occasions, including four state visits during her reign.

4. Has the Queen ever visited Hungary? Yes, the Queen visited Hungary once during her reign in 1993 and expressed her long-standing desire to visit the country.

5. Is Lisbon older than Rome? Yes, Lisbon is older than Rome, making it one of the oldest cities in Europe.

6. How many times has the Queen visited Portugal? Queen Elizabeth II visited Portugal once during her reign in 1957.

7. Which country did the Queen never visit? The Queen never visited Israel or Greece during her reign.

8. How many countries did the Queen rule when she died? At the time of her death, Queen Elizabeth II ruled over 15 countries in the Commonwealth and 14 additional overseas territories.

In conclusion, Queen Elizabeth II’s visit to Portugal in 1957 provided her with a unique opportunity to experience the rich history and culture of this incredible country. Her extensive travels throughout her reign showcased her dedication to strengthening relationships between nations and her unwavering commitment to the Commonwealth. It is through these royal visits that we gain a deeper understanding of the histories and traditions of various countries around the world.

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THE QUEEN VISITED PORTUGAL

Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022) visited Portugal twice.The first visit took place in 1957, during the Estado Novo regime led By António Oliveira Salazar. The second visit was in 1985, after the establishment of democracy.

The two visits marked two important moments in the history of Portugal and the United Kingdom. The relationship dates to the Middle Ages, when in 1373 England signed the Anglo-Portuguese Alliance, the oldest alliance in the world still in force.

In 1957, between February 18 and 20, Elizabeth II disembarked from the Royal Yacht moored in the Tagus River. The Portuguese state spared no expense, buying a Rolls Royce especially for the occasion. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were accommodated at Queluz National Palace, entertained at a banquet at the Palácio Nacional de Ajuda, and visited the Monasteries of Santa Maria, Alcobaça, Santa Maria da Vitória in Batalha, and Nazaré.

On March 25, 1985, the host was President António Ramalho Eanes, who welcomed the royal party outside Lisbon at the 16th century Tower of Belem, where Portuguese explorers set sail on their voyages of discovery in the 1500s. The queen arrived aboard a royally outfitted British Airways jetliner and was later joined her husband, Prince Philip, aboard the Britannia, the royal yacht. The royal itinerary included the Roman temple to Diana, a goddess of the moon, forests and women in childbirth, who shares the name of the queen’s former daughter- in-law Princess Diana.

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Here’s every country Queen Elizabeth II visited in her 70-year reign

From Algeria to Zimbabwe, the Queen visited at least 117 different countries

Queen Elizabeth II, who died earlier today , was probably the best-travelled monarch in history. In her 70 years as UK monarch, Her Maj apparently travelled to at least 117 different countries – and covered over a million miles, according to The Telegraph .

The Queen travelled for loads of reasons, from ceremonial openings to official state visits, but she got around so much primarily because she was head of state for the Commonwealth: a political association of countries that were largely conquered by Britain back when it was an imperial power. RECOMMENDED: How the world is paying tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

In fact, Elizabeth II wasn’t just the Queen of the United Kingdom: during her time on the throne, she reigned over a total of 32 sovereign countries. Having started her reign in the final years of the British Empire, she ruled over a number of former British colonies as they became independent sovereign states. Many, but not all, later cut ties with the monarchy and became republics.

Queen Elizabeth II reigned, at various points, over Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Ceylon (later Sri Lanka), Fiji, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Kenya, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Sierra Leone, the Solomon Islands, South Africa, Tanganyika (later Tanzania), Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Uganda and, of course, the UK . She was also proclaimed as queen by Rhodesia, the predecessor to Zimbabwe.

By the time of her death, she was still the queen of 15 countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, the Bahamas, Belize, Canada, Grenada, Jamaica, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and the UK. She was the Queen of Barbados until November 2021, when the Caribbean nation became a republic.

As you’d expect, the Queen visited all of these places – and plenty more – during her 70-year reign. Here is a full list of all the countries and states the Queen travelled to during her reign, and the dates when she visited.

Algeria (1980)

Antigua and Barbuda (1966, 1977, 1985)

Australia (1953, 1963, 1970, 1973, 1974, 1977, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1986, 1988, 1992, 2000, 2002, 2011)

Austria (1969)

Bahamas (1966, 1977, 1985, 1994)

Bahrain (1979)

Bangladesh (1983)

Barbados (1966, 1977, 1985, 1989)

Belgium (1966, 1993, 1998, 2007)

Belize (1985, 1994)

Bermuda (1953, 1975, 1983, 1994, 2009)

Botswana (1979)

Brazil  (1968)

British Virgin Islands (1966, 1977)

Brunei (1998)

Canada (1957, 1959, 1963, 1966, 1967, 1970, 1971, 1973, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1982, 1983, 1987, 1990, 1992, 1994, 1997, 2002, 2005, 2010)

Cayman Islands (1983, 1994)

Chile (1968)

China (1986)

Cook Islands (1974)

Cyprus (1961, 1983, 1984, 1993)

Czech Republic (1996)

Denmark (1957, 1979)

Dominica (1966, 1985, 1994)

Estonia (2006)

Ethiopia (1965)

Fiji (1953, 1963, 1970, 1973, 1977, 1982)

Finland (1976, 1994)

France (1957, 1972, 1992, 1994, 2004, 2014)

Gambia (1961)

Germany (1990, 1992, 2004, 2015)

Ghana (1961, 1999)

Grenada (1966, 1985)

Guyana (1966, 1994)

Hungary (1993)

Iceland (1990)

India (1961, 1983, 1997)

Indonesia (1974)

Iran (1961)

Ireland (2011)

Italy (1961, 1980, 2000, 2014)

Jamaica (1953, 1966, 1975, 1983, 1994, 2002)

Japan (1975)

Jordan (1984)

Kenya (1952, 1972, 1983, 1991)

Kiribati (1982)

Kuwait (1979)

Latvia (2006)

Liberia (1961)

Libya (1954)

Lithuania (2006)

Luxembourg (1976)

Malawi (1979)

Malaysia (1972, 1989, 1998)

Maldives (1972)

Malta (1954, 1967, 1992, 2005, 2015)

Mauritius (1972)

Mexico (1975, 1983)

Morocco (1980)

Mozambique (1999)

Namibia (1991)

Nauru (1982)

Nepal (1961, 1986)

Netherlands (1958, 1988, 2007)

New Zealand (1953, 1963, 1970, 1974, 1977, 1981, 1986, 1990, 1995, 2002)

Nigeria (1956, 2003)

Norway (1955, 1981, 2001)

Oman (1979, 2010)

Pakistan (1961, 1997)

Panama (1953)

Papua New Guinea (1974, 1977, 1982)

Poland (1996)

Portugal (1957, 1985)

Qatar (1979)

Russia (1994)

Saint Kitts and Nevis (1985)

Saint Lucia (1966, 1985)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (1966, 1985)

Samoa (1977)

Saudi Arabia (1979)

Seychelles (1972)

Sierra Leone (1961)

Singapore (1972, 1989)

Solomon Islands (1982)

South Africa (1995, 1999)

South Korea (1999)

Slovakia (2008)

Slovenia (2008)

Spain (1988)

Sri Lanka (1954, 1981)

Sudan (1965)

Sweden (1956, 1983)

Switzerland (1980)

Tanzania (1979)

Thailand (1972, 1996)

Tonga (1953, 1970, 1977)

Trinidad & Tobago (1966, 1985, 2009)

Tunisia (1980)

Turkey (1971, 2008)

Turks and Caicos Islands (1966)

Tuvalu (1982)

Uganda (1954, 2007)

UAE (1979, 2010)

USA (1957, 1976, 1983, 1991, 2007)

Vatican City (1961, 1980, 2000, 2014)

West Germany (1965, 1978, 1987)

Yugoslavia (1972)

Zambia (1979)

Zimbabwe (1991)

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Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh made a State Visit to Portugal

For a detailed description of the visit please see:

The Queen's Visit, March 1985

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Guide To Óbidos Portugal, Best Things To Do In The “Queen’s Present”

The charming and cobbled Old World cornucopia of medieval Óbidos Portugal is just an hour north of Lisbon. The dreamy UNESCO village is perched fetchingly on a hill and encircled with stout medieval walls.

It’s decorated with splashes of ultramarine and saffron yellow paint and filled with bougainvilla-covered whitewashed homes a cherry pots of geraniums.

You’ll be seduced by its beauty and shabby chic romantic aura.

I arrived via car on a cloudy day in late April. After Lisbon’s hustle and bustle, Óbidos seemed laid back and bucolic.

The clouds didn’t deter me one bit. I was entranced, basking in the brisk springtime air and the honeysuckle breeze.

Here’s my guide to amazing things to do in Óbidos.

>>> Click here to book a guided walking tour

Mini History of Óbidos

The word Óbidos derives from the Latin term oppidum, which means citadel or fortified city. If you want to see a really ancient oppidum, visit Citânia de Briteiros in northern Portugal outside Porto .

The Visigoths founded Óbidos in the 7th century. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Moors occupied the town and built Óbidos Castle. The Christians reconquered the town in the 12th century.

Under Portuguese rule, and due to its strategic location along the Atlantic Ocean, Óbidos flourished into a major trading port.

Beginning in 1282, each king of Portugal gave the town of Óbidos as a wedding present to his future queen.

King Dinis began the tradition. When he showed his future wife Dona Isabel the lovely town, she fell instantly in love — a common enough spell for those visiting Óbidos.

King Dinis decided to gift her the town as a wedding present.

The tradition continued from the 13th to the 19th centuries. As a result, Óbidos is nicknamed the Queens’ Town or the Queens’ Present.

Today, Óbidos has a population of just 3,000. But it’s looked the same way for centuries.

When you enter the city gates, you’ll feel like you’re unwrapping a beautiful present as the town spills out before you.

Best Things To Do In Óbidos: Top Attractions

The tourist office is just outside the Porta da Vila, if you want a map or information.

1. Porta da Vila

You enter through the double arched Porta da Vila, or the Town Gate, which dates to around 1380. The town gate was built to defend the castle.

In the middle, you’ll see a balcony that’s the shrine of Nossa Senhora da Piedade, Our Lady of Mercy.

It’s richly decorated with 18th century blue and white azulejo tiles and a Baroque balcony. It show scenes from the passion of Christ.

2. Rua Direita, The Main Drag

After entering the gate, you arrive at the gorgeous main drag, Rua Direita. Your head will be spinning right and left to take it all in.

It’s a pedestrianized lane that runs from the Porta da Vila to Óbidos Castle. A stroll down the street is one of the best things to do and see in Obidos.

You may want to start your day in Obidos with some hot chocolate and pastries at an adorable cafe, Pastelaria d’Avo Adelia.

Rue Direita is a cobbled lane dating from the 13th or 14th century.

It’s stuffed with whitewashed buildings, quirky bars and cafes, exquisite shops, and ubiquitous ginjinha stands. The iron street lamps and chipped stone facades complete the vintage look.

I was especially taken with the pottery shops and made several purchases.

These are not your typical tacky souvenir shops. Most of the shops have one of a kind, artisan quality goods.

Be sure to tear yourself away from the lovely ceramics on Rua Direita. It’s Óbidos’ busiest street.

The real magic of Óbidos lies off the main drag.

So veer towards Óbidos’ quiet maze of pathways to enjoy the quiet, color, and romance.

You won’t find another person in sight. This is where you’ll find the intangible fairy dust of Óbidos, and its greatest gift to the traveler.

3. Ginjinha de Óbidos

Ginjinha bars may be on trend in Lisbon, but there’s no escaping them in Óbidos. They’re everywhere. You can’t visit Obidos and not sample it.

Ginjinha is a Portuguese liqueur that’s basically a sour cherry brandy. The one from Óbidos is renowned for its quality and strength.

If you buy Ginjinha from a street vendor, you can have it served up in a plastic cup or in a much more satisfying chocolate cup.

One of the popular stops is to try Ginja right outside the main town gate. They also sell chocolates in a cute wood container, which can be brought home as a souvenir. 

4. Igreja de Santa Maria

You’ll eventually land in Óbidos’ elegant main square, Praça de Santa Maria.

There, you’ll find the austere and imposing Igreja de Santa Maria. The church is free to enter and one of the best things to do and see in Obidos.

The Renaissance church was built in the 12th century. In the mid 15th century, it was the site of a royal wedding.

It’s where the child king King Afonso V (age 10) and his child bride and cousin Isabel I (age 8) were married. Historical records note that a riotous reception took place after the gala event.

The inside is eye catching. There’s a beautifully painted barrel ceiling and altar.

17th century blue and white azulejos blanket the walls. You will also find a 16th century tomb inside. The altar has paintings by thee 17th century artist Josefa of Obidos, who was born in Seville.

In front of the church is a pillory column. It’s a monument to the town’s autonomy and a place where criminals were once punished. Note that the church is closed on Mondays.

5. Igreja da Misericordia

The street to the right of the main square holds the 16th century Igreja da Misericordia.

It’s worth a quick look just for its blue and yellow azulejo tiles that completely cover the side walls.

You’ll also find 17th century sculptures of the Virgin and a painted ceiling showing the royal crown.

6. Bookstores

Óbidos has been inventing itself as a literally center. Themed bookshops abound.

In 2015, Óbidos held its first literary festival, Folio, which is now an annual event . Óbidos was named the UNESCO City of Literature in 2015.

The former church of São Tiago, St James, has been nattily transformed into a bookshop, the Livraria de Santiago.

The exterior of the building retains the appearance of the original 12th century church. Inside, there’s a colorful altar and the hushed tones make the building bookshop worthy.

Once a 19th century convent, the bookstore that put Óbidos on the literary map is the Literary Man Hotel Bookshop. It’s just off the main drag at Rua D’João d’Ornelas.

It’s the world’s largest literary hotel . It holds over 65,000 secondhand and rare vintage books. There’s a wall of books at every turn.

You can pick anything up off their shelves and check in with reception, if you want to make a purchase.

The bookstore’s open from 8:00 am until midnight. Book nerds can sip a cocktail at the in house gin bar while they get lost in a book.

7. Óbidos Castle

A stroll down Rua Direita eventually leads to Óbidos Castle. It’s one of the seven wonders of Portugal. It’s ancient and forms the northern boundary of the walled town.

The castle was built in 713 during the Moorish occupation. In 1148, during the Reconquista, it was captured by Alfonso I, Portugal’s first king.

In 1210, Alfonso II expanded the castle and gifted it to his wife. It was a favorite spot for royals when they needed a quiet getaway.

The castle witnesses a fair share of joy and misery. In the 13th century, it was the honey moon locale for Dinis and Isabel. In the 14th century, it was for Portugal’s Romeo and Juliet, the star crossed lovers Ines de Castro and Dom Pedr o .

In 1755, it was damaged somewhat in the big earthquake that shattered Lisbon. The castle was restored.

Though Óbidos is easily visited as a day trip from Lisbon, there’s plenty to keep you busy. And the hilltop castle isn’t all views. In 1948, it was converted into a luxurious pousada (hotel). It’s one of Portugal’s most historic inns.

The castle retains its medieval decor. The stairs are narrow and steep. There’s no windows, just skinny archer portals.

You’ll get a good night’s sleep because the walls are 3 meters deep, blocking out all light and noise. You can even book a room in one of the castle’s two split level “tower chambers.”

Unfortunately, you can’t go inside the castle unless you’re staying there. But, still, just admiring its crenellated battlements is something.

8. Walk The Medieval Walls

You can see Obidos’ city walls as you approach the town. They date from Moorish times, though they’ve been restored over the years.

Walking the walls is definitely one of the best things to do in Obidos. It’s a completely free activity. And, unlike the streets below, they’re not crowed with people.

There are several places to access the walls, from steep stairways to rocky paths. Once you’re on the walls, it’s a narrow path. You may want to walk single file.

It’s only a 1.5 kilometer walk and takes approximately one hour. They’re a bit perilous because there are no handrails.

The castle walls offer some great views of Óbidos and the countryside.

9. Festivals in Óbidos

Óbidos knows how to host a good festival.

Every year, the castle grounds and public squares are taken over by the Chocolate Festival , the Medieval Fair , the Opera Festival, or the Christmas Village.

I was lucky to arrive during the annual Chocolate Festival, which is usually held in April. This is heaven for chocolate lovers.

The narrow streets are filled with stands displaying every conceivable form of chocolate, including huge chocolate sculptures. Top chefs even give cooking demonstrations.

The choices were almost overwhelming. I settled on chocolate covered strawberries.

The Medieval festival is held in July or August. People done medieval costumes and eat and drink 9with goblets) at wooden trestle tables.

10. Santuario do Senhor da Pedra

Below the town and a bit of a stroll is a rather ramshackle abandoned church, the Santuario do Senhor da Pedra.

It’s an 19th century Baroque gem in need of some TLC. It’s unique for its hexagonal interior.

If you want to give yourself a gift, visit medieval Óbidos, the Queen’s Present. It’s one of Portugal’s most otherworldly pretty villages.

Tips For Visiting Óbidos:

1. how to get to obidos.

It’s a 1.5 hour drive from Lisbon to Obidos. If you are driving, don’t bother driving into the old town. There are parking areas just outside the walls, some free and some not. You can’t park inside the town.

From Lisbon, it’s easier to take a bus than a train to Obidos. The RodoTejo Verde (green) bus from Campo Grande station in Lisbon takes just over an hour to arrive in Obidos at Rua da Praca. You can pre-book bus tickets on the Moovit App.

By Guided Tour:

Taking a guided day tour is a great way to explore Obidos as well and makes logistic easier. Most tours combine Obidos with another town.

This full day tour from Lisbon takes you to Obidos, Fatima, and Nazare. This full day tour also includes Batalha.

2. How To Get Around Obidos

Obidos is a very small town, so it’s eminently walkable.

And you don’t really have any choice either. Access to the streets are by foot only.

You might consider booking a guided walking tour to get the full scoop on the town’s history and culture.

3. Where To Stay In Obidos

If you decide to stay overnight in Obidos, you are in for a real treat. In the evening, the day trippers are gone and you will have the town to yourself.

Your best choices are Pousada do Castelo de Óbidos and The Literary Man Óbidos Hotel .

I mentioned the castle above, and that’s the most luxurious option. The Literary Man hotel is cool too.

It’s housed in a former convent and has a literary theme. You will find a restaurant, a gin bar, and a wine cellar on the property.

4. Places To Visit Near Obidos

If you are driving to Obidos, or taking a day tour you can definitely add some other attractions or small towns in Portugal. Here are a few places near Obidos that you could also visit.

If you want to hit the beach, head to Nazare. It’s about 40 minutes by car from Obidos to Nazare and many guided tours include a stop there.

Nazare is an ancient fishing town and the largest resort town on the Estremadura Coast.

In Nazare, a long sandy beach feeds abruptly at a 360 foot cliff. You can take a funicular to the top. From a lookout point, you can see the resort area.

Batalha Monastery

The Dominican Monastery of Santa Maria de Vitoria is an ornate UNESCO-listed landmark with Gothic and Manueline elements. Building began in 1388 and continued for centuries.

The historic structure was built to celebrate a pivotal 1385 battle, when Portugal overcame the mighty Spaniards in the Battle of Aljubarrota.

The monastery and its church, the symbol of Portugal’s national pride, were built by Portugal’s prolific builder King Joao I, whose tomb is inside.

Characteristic of Gothic-Manueline architecture, you’ll be delighted by the intricate carved floral and marine elements.

The monastery is a must see for lovers of architecture, history, religion, or warfare. You can visit the church for free, but must pay to see the beautiful cloisters.

Alçobaca

Just a little over an hour from Coimbra is the he breathtaking Alçobaca Monastery. If you love history or architecture, the 800 year old Alcobaça Monastery is a must visit destination in Portugal.

The monastery became a UNESCO site in 1989 because of its “size, the purity of its architectural style, the beauty of the materials and the care with which it was built make this a masterpiece of Cistercian Gothic art.”

When you approach the great edifice from the street, you are confronted with an imposing and ornate Baroque facade from 1702. 

Once you enter the doors, everything changes. The monastery is actually a monument to simplicity that feels light and airy.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to the best things to do in Obidos. You may enjoy these other Portugal travel guides and resources:

• 10 day itinerary for Portugal
• Historic landmarks in Portugal
• 4 day itinerary for Lisbon
• 2 day itinerary for Lisbon
• 2 days in Porto itinerary
• 1 day in Coimbra itinerary
• Guide to Lisbon’s Alfama neighborhood
• Guide to Lisbon’s Belem neighborhood
• Guide to Pena Palace
• Day trips from Lisbon
• Tips for Visiting Sintra

If you’d like to visit the beautiful town of Obidos Portugal, pin it for later.

2 thoughts on “Guide To Óbidos Portugal, Best Things To Do In The “Queen’s Present””

Great overview that I’m going to be using! Just an update – as of summer ’22, you can pre-buy bus tickets using the moovit app.

Thanks for the tip!

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Last Updated on January 6, 2024 by Leslie Livingston

The Royal Watcher

British state visit to portugal, 1957.

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh were hosted by President Craveiro Lopes and First Lady Berta Ribeiro on their State Visit to Portugal, which started on this day in 1957, a Return Visit in response to the Presidential Couple’s State Visit to the UK in 1955 .

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The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh were received by President Craveiro Lopes and First Lady Berta Ribeiro in an Official Welcome at the Black Horse Square in Lisbon, while other events included a Tour of the Jerónimos Monastery. The Queen was also gifted a stallion in the courtyard of the Belém Palace.

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While they weren’t photographed at the State Banquet hosted by the President, the Queen (wearing  Queen Alexandra’s Kokoshnik Tiara ) and the Duke of Edinburgh were pictured at a attended a Banquet given with the British Ambassador to Portugal at the Palace of Queluz in Lisbon, which was followed by a Gala Performance at the São Carlos National Theatre .

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Queen Elizabeth's visit to Portugal, 1957 (final published version). In memoriam and with the outmost respect and longing.

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A magisterial piece of work, collected and then written by Filipe Ribeiro de Meneses, whose book I gladly published and prefaced. The title of the book hints at what the volume is about. Neither Portugal nor Ireland got directly involved with the Second World War, preferring neutrality -- albeit in terms of what Salazar creatively ultimately called "collaborative neutrality". This book includes letters exchanged by the Chancelleries of both countries, namely as regards the Irish Government’s interest (a country still under the shadow of Eamon de Valera, who rather openly liked Mussolini's political stances as, initially at least, did Salazar) in Portugal's position in what concerns the relationships, partly economic, but largely economic, to both Allies and Axis countries. The letters show that, while at first enthusiastic with Portugal's stances and positions, Ireland slowly drifted away from Salazar's positions after WW2.

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Queen Elizabeth's visit to Portugal, 1957

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Portugal pays its respects following death of Queen Elizabeth II

The Portuguese President expressed "most heartfelt and sincere condolences" following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, of the United Kingdom,and praised her as an "example of courage" and highlighted her "unwavering sense of public service".

By TPN/Lusa, in United Kingdom · 09 Sep 2022, 10:08 · 0 Comments

“It is with deep sadness and immense sorrow that I learnt of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. At this time of mourning and grief, I offer Your Majesty and the entire royal family, as well as all the British people, on behalf of the Portuguese people and on my own behalf, I offer my sincere condolences for the loss suffered", Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa said in a message posted on the official website of the Presidency of the Republic, which he had already sent to the new King.

According to the Head of State, Elizabeth II "will remain an example to all of courage, dedication, stability and an unwavering sense of public service, as she was throughout her more than 96 years of life and 70 years of reign", the message reads.

"For Portugal and for all Portuguese people, the visits that Queen Elizabeth II made to our country in 1957 and 1985 will remain in the memory of each of us with unquestionable affection and appreciation. For me personally, I will not be able to forget the honour of meeting her when I travelled to London in 2016," he added.

Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa declares himself "confident in the historic and unbreakable bonds of friendship that unite and will continue to unite Portugal and the United Kingdom, I renew my most heartfelt and sincere condolences" and wishes all the best to King Charles expressing the "highest esteem and personal consideration".

Speaking to RTP, moments after the news of Queen Elizabeth II's death broke, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa said that "no one in the 20th century has had such a rich experience", stressing that the monarch had lived through World War II, the fall of the Berlin Wall, the world "after the collapse of the Soviet Union and this world of multilateralism crisis".

To the new king, the Portuguese President also wished his reign "to be as happy as that of his mother" and guaranteed that he will attend the funeral ceremonies.

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What happened to Portugal’s monarchy?

In the latest instalment of our autumn series, looking at what led to the fall of various monarchies throughout history, Royal Central looks at the end of the monarchy in Portugal.

On a chilly February day in 1908, the King of Portugal and his family were making their way back to their home in Lisbon after a holiday when tragedy struck. Gunmen attacked their carriage, fatally wounding the King. In the confusion, more bullets rained down on them. A gun battle ensued, but by the time officials got the royal carriage to safety, the King was dead, and his heir was in the last moments of his life. The monarch’s younger son would take the throne, but the crown never recovered from the blow suffered that day. A double assassination, a weakened successor and the rise of republicanism led to the fall of the House of Braganza and the end of the monarchy in Portugal.

The Background

The death of Carlos I was the beginning of the end for Portugal’s monarchy (Picture Public Domain, CC, Wiki Commons)

The murders of Carlos I and his eldest son, Luis Filipe, that cold day caused shockwaves around Europe. However, an angry end to the King’s 19-year reign had seemed inevitable for some time, even if the brutality of his death was hard to comprehend. In fact, such was the rising opposition in some parts of Portuguese society to the monarchy that the succession of Carlos’ second son, Manuel, as king in the aftermath of the assassinations only seemed to be delaying the inevitable tumble of the throne.

Carlos had inherited a difficult crown. The House of Braganza had ruled Portugal since 1640 and had seen its power expand throughout the 17 th and 18 th centuries. But by the early 1800s, the Portuguese Royal Family found itself weakened and based itself in Brazil, part of its empire. In the decades that followed, the thrones of the two countries parted ways leading to power struggles within the ruling house. The kind and clever Maria II had re-established Braganza power in Lisbon. But by the time her grandson, Carlos I, became King of Portugal and the Algarves in 1889, the country was once again facing a crisis.

At the heart of Carlos’ problems was the empire which had once brought Portugal so much wealth. Just a year into his reign, the country was forced to agree to the ‘British Ultimatum’, a series of treaties which ended claims of Portuguese sovereignty in parts of Africa. It was seen as a humiliation for the King while popular unrest grew as the economy wobbled and the country found itself bankrupt.

Strikes and protests took place while the press became more outspoken in its criticism of the monarchy. Republican parties began to gain support while the mainstream political set up of Portugal fragmented and effective government began to disappear. By the time Carlos appointed Joao Franco as Prime Minister in 1906, with sweeping powers that would only be scaled back when the new premier and the King thought it appropriate, he was facing opposition in every quarter, and he knew it. As the King of Portugal signed a decree in the early part of 1908 which would allow his government to send opponents into exile, he called it his death sentence. Soon afterwards, he was proved right.

Killing a King

In fact, his assassins had already made plans to murder their monarch before Carlos put his pen to parchment that fateful day. The fact that the King was talking of death as a real possibility only underlined how fragile he realised his power and position were. The end came on February 1 st 1908 as Carlos, his wife Maria Amelia and their two sons rode in an open carriage through the centre of Lisbon on their return from a break at their country retreat.

Carlos I, Amelia and a newborn Luis Filipe of Portugal (Photo Public Domain, Wiki Commons)

As the royal party entered the Terreiro do Paco in the centre of Lisbon, it was fired on by republicans. Carlos was killed instantly, and in the chaos that followed, one of the assassins, Alfredo Luis da Costa, jumped into the coach and attacked Luis Filipe, Prince Royal of Portugal and the man who would be declared monarch as soon as his father’s death was confirmed. As Queen Maria Amelia tried to shield her family with a bouquet of flowers she’d been given, the heir fought back, drawing his own gun, but in the process his movements allowed another assassin to fire at him with a rifle. His younger brother, Manuel, tried to save him, but it was too late. Police shot and killed Da Costa and fellow attacker, Manuel Buica, while other officers and soldiers rushed the carriage to the Royal Naval Arsenal. Carlos I was confirmed dead. His heir, Luis Filipe, died soon afterwards. The blood soaked brother who had tried to save the Prince’s life was now King Manuel II.

The aftermath

The tragic start to his reign would be a shadow of things to come for Manuel who was just 18 and still a student when he became king. He made public declarations that he would not intervene in politics and undertook a wide range of visits across his new kingdom to try and reach out to his subjects. However, political unrest continued, and within two years of his accession, Manuel’s new kingdom had experienced a string of different governments.

Manuel II, Last King of Portugal (Photo by Augusto Bobone – Leiloeira São Domingos, Public Domain, Wiki Commons)

Growing agitation bubbled into revolution in October 1910. A military coup turned into wider rebellion and Manuel’s official residence, the Palacio das Necessidades, was bombarded. The King fled, hoping to make it to the northern city of Porto on the royal yacht, Amelia IV. With him were his mother and grandmother, but soon after they left, they found out Porto had fallen to the revolutionaries. They were forced to divert to Gibraltar. Manuel headed to the UK – and exile.

The last days of monarchy

There were attempts to restore the throne in the early years of Manuel’s exile although the King became increasingly anxious about the impact of the efforts would have on the future of his country. He insisted that the crown could only be restored at the will of the people.

Manuel, meanwhile, married and settled in Twickenham, where he set about trying to help his country and his new local community wherever he could. He also met other members of his royal dynasty to discuss where the right to rule the country should pass as he and his wife, Augusta Victoria, had no children.

There was no concrete resolution to that question when Manuel died suddenly, at his home in Fulwell Park, on July 2 nd 1932. He was buried in Lisbon. The crown has never been restored. Now, over 100 years since the violent deaths of Carlos I and Prince Luis Filipe and the short and tumultuous reign of Manuel II, those momentous events remain the last acts of the Portuguese monarchy.

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The Moving Story Behind the Queen’s Special Connection to Balmoral

By Radhika Seth

Queen Elizabeth II famously loved being outdoors—traipsing across rolling hills and glens in her trademark printed headscarves and tweeds, often with her beloved corgis in tow—and of all her storied royal residences, it was at Balmoral where she could most easily commune with nature.

She, however, was not the first monarch to fall for the charms of the now 170-year-old estate. Set across 50,000 acres in deepest Aberdeenshire, it comprises moors, farmland, forestry, cottages, and an ivy-strewn Scottish Baronial-style castle, the latter built on the orders of Prince Albert, who purchased the land for his wife, Queen Victoria, in 1852. The couple found solace in the peace and seclusion this new summer home afforded them, spending their days deer stalking and sketching the sprawling landscape. They also began hosting an annual dance, the Ghillies Ball, which is still held today.

Although Queen Victoria’s son, Edward VII, was not as enamored with the Highlands, three of the rulers who succeeded him were: George V, George VI, and the latter’s daughter, Elizabeth II. The young princess, alongside her sister Margaret , would spend her whole year looking forward to their summers at Balmoral, where they would ride ponies, play parlor games, and have picnics on the lawns. As they grew up, though, their interests diverged: Margaret didn’t care for shooting, while Elizabeth became a keen sportswoman, developing a talent for fishing and stalking deer, which she often did while crawling on her stomach in the mud.

It was around this time, in 1939, that Elizabeth first met Philip , then a teenage cadet, at Britannia Royal Naval College. Over the next few years, he was a frequent guest at the castle, and the pair would occasionally go on drives, have tea, and walk through the gardens together. They soon fell in love, and in the summer of 1946, he proposed on the grounds of Balmoral. They spent part of their honeymoon on the estate, snowed in at the picturesque 18th-century hunting lodge Birkhall.

After her ascension to the throne in 1952, Balmoral became even more important. Between July and October every year, it was a haven for her young family, and a place that offered respite from her rigorous schedule of engagements in London. There were, of course, government papers still to be read from her famous red box, and prime ministers to be entertained, from Margaret Thatcher to Tony Blair. But there was also time for leisurely strolls, barbecues, rounds of charades, and chasing the tiny Prince Charles and Princess Anne down cobblestone paths as they sped away in their toy cars. Photographs from the early decades of her reign show the Queen remarkably at ease and quick to laugh—a world away from the sometimes somber, and always dutiful, sovereign seen in so many of her state portraits.

Since then, her love for her summer home has never wavered. Following the death of Prince Philip in April of 2021, she shared a rare private image of her husband of 73 years, which showed the pair sitting in the sun on the grassy pastures at the top of the Coyles of Muick in Balmoral. She returned to the estate as usual that July, and this July, too, following her Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June. Just two days before her death on September 8, 2022, she performed the last of her major royal duties in the drawing room of the castle, accepting the resignation of Boris Johnson and shaking hands with Liz Truss , who was—staggeringly—her 15th prime minister. For the occasion, the Queen chose a pale blue shirt, a grey cardigan and a pleated skirt made from Balmoral tartan.

In the end, it was fitting that her long and illustrious life came to a close in one of the places in the world in which she was happiest—one that holds more than nine decades’ worth of memories.

Below, browse the best vintage photographs of the Queen at Balmoral.

The Queen with Princess Margaret and Princess Anne at Balmoral.

Prince Philip and the Queen admiring the scenery during a walk through the estate.

The Queen, Prince Philip, Princess Anne, Prince Charles and Prince Andrew sitting on a picnic blanket outside Balmoral Castle.

The Queen visiting a farm on the estate with Prince Philip.

The Queen relaxing with Prince Charles and Princess Anne in the gardens of Balmoral.

Queen Maria I of Portugal

About the Author

Rafael is a passionate art enthusiast and amateur historian with a deep-rooted love for Lisbon. Born and raised in the heart of this historic metropolis, his journey into the world of art and history has led him to become a prolific writer for Lisbon.vip, where he shares his discoveries and insights with a global audience.

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