Igreja de Santiago (Church of St. James), Obidos

The Church of Saint James stands as an intriguing remnant of history, transformed into a captivating space. Initially established in 1186 under the decree of King Sancho I, this church, now repurposed as a bookstore, held a distinguished position within the castle walls.

Once a gothic sanctuary used by the royal family during their stays in Óbidos, it catered to pilgrims traveling to Santiago de Compostela, a significant pilgrimage site. Tragically, the devastating earthquake of 1755 obliterated much of the church. Its reconstruction in 1772 shifted its orientation to face Rua Direita, the main street.

Today, the original church retable, an exquisite 16th-century portrayal of Saint James, is displayed at the Municipal Museum, while the bookstore's interior—where the altar once stood—is now lined with books, offering a diverse selection in multiple languages. Hosting literary events, discussions, and book signings, the “Livraria de Santiago” breathes new life into this historical space.