Leiria (altitude: 30-113m/100-370ft), is a busy district capital and market town in central Portugal, 10km/ 6mi north of Batalha. The Rio Liz flows through its center. Called Collipo by the Romans, the little town was a royal residence for a time under King Dinis I and since 1545 has been the see of a bishop.
The fertile farming area around
Leiria and its rural population still practice many old crafts and customs (basketwork, pottery, woven blankets, glass blowing; traditional costumes).
Townscape
In the old town center there are still some attractive 16th and 17th C. urban residences and noble mansions. The heart of the town is the Praça de Rodrigues Lobo and the bordering Jardim Público (with the tourist information center). In the middle of the square stands a memorial to Rodrigues Lobo (1579-1621) who, like many a later writer, waxed lyrical about the idyllic little town.
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