Leiria is pleasantly situated at the confluence of two rivers, the Liz and
the Lena, and at the foot of a hill crowned by a medieval castle. It is also
near the beautiful beaches at Nazari, the sanctuary at Fatima, and the
magnificent architecture of Batalha and Alcobana.
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 Sao 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 Simυes
Rodrigues painted in 1605. Across from the castle there is a 18th
century staircase that ascends to the 16th Sanctuary of Nossa
Senhora da Encarnacao.
To the south of Leiria is the famous Monastery of Batalha dated
from the 14th Century. To the east are Fatima and Tomar
both of which are very interesting to visitors, the first as religious shrine,
and the second for its impressive historical content.
For visitors to this area
it is recommended that you visit Ourιm, a medieval town that lies
just to the northeast of Fatima. 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 in the Battle of
“Aljubarrota" in 1385. In Pombal
there is a small museum devoted to the history of its once powerful master.
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 Sao Pedro de Muel edge this forest.
As an occasional tourist or as an expert one, a great diversity of beaches,
natural sites of pine forest and mountain, from the surprising caves to the
quiet spas, from the heritage of monuments and history to the the Sanctuary of Fatima,
they all are expecting you.
The Leiria region has kept alive its tradition of popular art and folklore.
The well known crystal made by Atlantis is manufactured by hand nearby.