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 Leiria Accommodation
Leiria Holiday Rental Agents
Leiria Hotels
Leiria Hotels & Spa
Leiria Inns
Leiria Entertainment
Leiria - Restaurants
Leiria - What to Do
Leiria Golf Courses
Campo Real Golf Course
Bom Sucesso Golf Course
Praia Del Rey Golf Course
Royal Obidos Golf Course
West Cliffs Golf Course
Leiria - History
The Romans named the town Collipo until the Moors occupied the city.
Dom Afonso Henriques retook it in the 12th Century from the Moors and
in 1135 he ordered a strong castle to be built. However, regardless of its
defences its possession changed hand with the Moors several times. In 1254
Dom Afonso III held the first form of parliament in Portuguese history
to be attended by wealthy and influential laymen. The Portuguese King Dom
Dinis decided to improve the castle defences in the 14th Century and
turning it into a royal residence for himself and his Queen,
Isabel de Aragon. Today, it now acts as a crown over the town. (Visit - Portugal History)
Leiria - Description
The town is quite charming with small homes over archways and behind
graceful arcades. As a reminder of its ancient history there is the 12th
Century Church Igreja de São Pedro. The town was declared an
Episcopal City in 1545 and the Cathedral is from that same period. The high
vaulted nave leads the visitor to the altarpiece with a chancel work by
Simões Rodrigues painted in 1605. Across from the castle there is a 18th
Century staircase that ascends to the 16th Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da
Encarnação.
Leiria - Nearby Locations
To the south of Leiria is the famous Monastery of Batalha
dated from the 14th Century and built as a monument to the Portuguese
victory at the battle of "Aljubarrota" with Spain. To the
east are Fátima and Tomar both of which are very interesting
to visitors, the first as a religious shrine and the second for its
impressive historical content. For visitors to this area it is recommended
that you visit Ourém, a medieval town that lies just to the
northeast of Fátima. This town has a 15th Century castle and in the
church is the impressive tomb of Afonso, the grandson of Nuno
Alves Pereira, the saviour and General in the Battle of
“Aljubarrota", fought in 1385.
To the north is the smaller town of Pombal mainly associated with the
influential 18th Century Portuguese courtier Marquês de Pombal
who was forced by his enemies to retire here in disgrace. Again overlooking
this town is another impressive castle dating from the 12th Century when it
was constructed by the Order of the Knights Templar. In Pombal there
is a small museum devoted to the history of its once powerful master, the
Marquês de Pombal. Between the town and the coast is the vast pine
forest planted by Dom Dinis to provide an ample supply of wood for
the construction of his naval vessels. A long sandy shoreline and the
popular holiday resort of São Pedro de Muel edge this forest.
Leiria Weather (detailed)
Detailed Predrógão weather conditions
Detailed São Pedro de Moel weather conditions
Leiria Photos
Leiria and Castle
Costa Prata Towns
Alcobaça
· Aveiro
· Batalha
· Caldas da Rainha
· Coimbra
· Fátima
· Óbidos
· Tomar
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Useful Leiria Telephone Numbers
2400