Casa do Arco da Cadeia

Casa do Arco da Cadeia is a building that dates back to the 14th/15th centuries. In its origins it assumed the functions of jail and City Hall. With the construction of the new Municipal Palace, in the 16th century, in the adjacent building (currently the Abílio Mattos Silva Museum), it lost its function as the municipal headquarters building, maintaining its original characteristics until the 20th century.

In 1958, the painter Abílio de Mattos e Silva acquired Casa do Arco, after, in 1938, painting two houses with arches in his work “Óbidos Vila Antiga de Portugal”. This was restored in a project developed by Maria José Salavisa, his widow. This house was donated to the Municipality of Óbidos, by herself, in honor of her husband.

The opening of this space is a tribute to both of them and can be visited by prior appointment.