Tourist Attractions in Leiria
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.
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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Castelo
The castle was first built in 1135 but restored and enhanced in the 14th C when it became the residence of King Dinis.
Cathedral
The Cathedral is a plain Renaissance building in the old part of Leiria (16th C.; restored in 18th C.). The small adjoining museum contains pictures, furniture, pottery and glass.
Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Encarnaçao
Opposite the castle mound in Leiria, on another hill, is the Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Encarnaçao (1588), reached by an 18th century staircase, with panoramic views from the top.
Leiria Surroundings
Marinha Grande, Portugal
Marinha Grande is about 12km/7.5mi west of Leiria amidst the Pinhal de Leiria, or Pinhal Real, the pinewoods which were planted by King Dinis I using maritime pines from the south of France to provide protection against the drifting sand. Nowadays the trees yield resin and turpentine. Marinha Grande developed in the mid-18th C. when the glass works, now one of the most important in the country, were set up here.
The glass museum situated within the area is worth a visit.
The glass museum situated within the area is worth a visit.
Pombal, Portugal
About 27km/17mi northeast of Leiria, in the valley of the Rio Soura, is the busy town of Pombal (pop. 11,000; alt. 221m/725ft). It owes its fame to José I's powerful minister Sebastiao José de Carvalho e Mello, Marquês de Pombal, who died here in exile in 1752. A monument to the Marquês de Pombal stands in the main square near the church of Sao Martinho (founded 1323, rebuilt 1520). There is a castle (renovated in the 16th C.) above the town together with the 12th C. church of Santa Maria do Castelo.
Rio Caranguejeira
About 8km/5mi east of Leiria is an impressive gorge on the Rio Caranguejeira, with rock faces fully 100m/330ft high.
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