In the heart of Portugal’s medieval walled town of Óbidos, a Literary Man awaits but not just any literary man, The Literary Man Óbidos, a unique hotel concept that celebrates literature in all its forms. This historic building, which used to be a convent, has been transformed into a book lover’s paradise. Books line nearly every wall and are the main attraction. Spend a night here and if you weren’t a literary man (or woman) before, we have a strong feeling that you will walk away as one.
Óbidos – A Creative City of Literature
About one hour from Lisbon, on Portugal’s western central coast, Óbidos has reinvented itself as a cultural powerhouse by transforming historical buildings into spaces for book lovers, most notably the Gothic Saint Peter Church, which now houses a stunning library and bookshop. UNESCO recognized Óbidos as a Creative City of Literature in 2015, the same year that it launched the International Literary Festival of Óbidos (FOLIO).
The town has since become a global networking hub where writers, publishers, and literary professionals converge to exchange ideas and forge collaborations. The municipality’s vision extends beyond festivals through initiatives like the Creative Factory and the ambitious Creative Houses project, which transforms abandoned properties into artist residencies and startup incubators. These spaces function as ecosystems where writers find inspiration, young entrepreneurs launch businesses, and creative professionals develop multidisciplinary programs.
History
The iconic Literary Man Hotel’s story in Óbidos begins in the 1930s when António Gonçalves de Asseca, prior of S. Pedro da Vila de Óbidos, acquired the historic Casas da Calçada property with plans to establish a nunnery. With financial backing from King D. Miguel, construction moved quickly, which culminated in an 1833 chapel dedicated to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. These religious ambitions were cut short by the Portuguese Liberal Revolution of 1834, which dissolved religious orders nationwide and transferred their assets to the National Treasury. The once-promising convent would be abandoned, and ownership change hands for decades.
The property finally found its current purpose under the Garcia family. In the 1980s, Luís Garcia transformed it into the elegant Estalagem do Convento. But the property’s most dramatic reinvention came in 2015 when it emerged as The Literary Man—now a cultural landmark that houses nearly 100,000 books and is currently considered the world’s largest literary hotel.
Today, Marta Garcia continues her father’s legacy. Guests can either book a dinner at the hotel or stay for the whole night taking in the hotel’s Instagrammable literary aesthetic combined with architectural elements from its conventual past. The “Corredor das Celas” (former monk cells) now houses eight stylish guest rooms that pay homage to the building’s history.
Location
The Literary Man is located within the medieval walls of Óbidos. The address is Rua Dom João de Ornelas. The hotel’s location provides guests with easy access to the charming cobblestone streets, historic churches, and artisanal shops that make Óbidos one of Portugal’s most picturesque destinations. The town itself is compact enough to explore on foot, with the hotel situated just a short walk from the main gate and the famous Óbidos Castle.
Amenities and Features
The hotel’s defining feature is, as you may have guessed, its vast collection of books. The main library serves as both a shared communal space and a restaurant, where guests can dine surrounded by floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. Books are categorized by genre and language, which makes it easy for visitors to find something that suits their tastes.
The Literary Man offers 27 uniquely designed rooms. You can choose between rooms with traditional decor or more modern style and, in each room, you have a range of books available to read. Room types range from Double or Twin Standard Rooms starting at €92 per night with essential amenities, Double or Twin Superior starting at €100 per night, a Deluxe Suite starting at €110 per night, and a Superior Suite starting at €125 per night.
All accommodations include en-suite bathrooms, LCD TVs, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. The suites come with minibars, and the Superior Suite also includes a balcony.
Room rates vary by season, with higher prices during summer and Portuguese holidays. All rates include breakfast and access to the hotel’s literary collection. Late checkout is also available.
The hotel’s restaurant serves Portuguese cuisine with a creative twist. Seafood enthusiasts will be drawn to “A Balada do Mar Salgado” (Corto Maltese), which features smoked octopus paired with velvety pumpkin purée, or the innovative “O Admirável Mundo Novo” (Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World) – a cuttlefish risotto elevated with refreshing lemon and garlic foam. For a truly memorable starter, “Os Pilares da Terra” (Ken Follett’s Pillars of the Earth) offers wild mushroom pie with a luxurious creamy sauce, while the daring can sample “Senhores do Bosque” (Paulo Caetano), a deer carpaccio complemented by wild berry sauce and apple purée. The restaurant even includes children’s options like “Peter Pan” (James Barrie), a beef burger served with fries and pineapple.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a book lover looking for your next bibliophile adventure, why not visit the largest literary hotel in the world in Óbidos, Portugal? With only 27 rooms, we advise you to book as far ahead as possible! If you can’t get a room, make a reservation at the restaurant and delight in the all that the literary world has to offer!
