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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.

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Tomar both of which are very interesting to visitors, the first as a religious shrine and the second for its impressive historical content.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 Forecast

Leiria Weather (detailed)
Detailed Predrógão weather conditions
Detailed São Pedro de Moel weather conditions

Leiria Guest Book
Leiria Forum

Leiria Photos
Leiria and Castle

Useful Leiria Telephone Numbers	--
Town Hall	244 839 500
Fire Brigade	244 832 122
Police	244 820 010
Hospital	244 801 075
Tourist Office	244 823 773
SOS	112
Support to Tourists	800 296 296
Railways (CP) - www.cp.pt	808 208 208

Useful Leiria Facts	--
Postal Code	2400
Altitude	50 mts
Inhabitants	38.100
Town Holiday	22nd May
Distances between each Tourist Town in Kms. Distances in Kms. (In order to read the above document please download Adobe Acrobat Reader at: http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html)

Leiria Accommodation
Hotels

Leiria Entertainment
Restaurants · What to Do

Leiria Golf Courses
Golf Courses in Costa Prata

Costa Prata Towns
Alcobaça · Aveiro · Batalha · Caldas da Rainha · Coimbra · Fátima · Óbidos · Tomar