Welcome to Leiria Golf

Leiria History

This town was initially named Collipo by the Romans. Conquered by moors and later retook by Dom Afonso Henriques in the 12th Century, 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

Leiria 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Tomar both of which are very interesting to visitors, the first as a religious shrine and the second for its impressive historical content.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 Map (Click Here)

Leiria Weather


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

Leiria Golf
| BOM SUCESSO | BOTADO | CAMPO REAL | CURIA | PRAIA DEL REY | QUINTA DO BRINCAL | VIMEIRO |

Leiria Locations of Interest
Centro Cultural de João Soares
Museum of Cement Factory of Maceira Liz
Museum of Ethnology of Monte Redondo
Casa Museu Fundação de Mário Soares www.fmsoares.pt
Museum of Image & Movement
Museum of Sacred Art
Castle
Church - Igreja da Misericórdia
Church - Igreja de São Pedro
Church - Igreja da Senhora da Encarnação
Convento de São Francisco
Military Museum - (Porto de Mós)
Municipal Museum - (Pombal)
Municipal Museum - (Porto de Mós)
Municipal Museum of Joaquim Correia - (Marinha Grande)
Museum Casa de Afonso Lopes Vieira - (Marinha Grande)
Museum Archaeological Dr. Joaquim Manso - (Nazaré)
Museum of Ceramics - (Marinha Grande)
Museum of Glass - (Marinha Grande)
Museum of Marquês de Pombal - (Pombal)
Museum of Sacred Art de Padre Luis Nesi - (Nazaré)
Museum de Santos Barosa - (Cumeira)

Leiria Beaches
Praia da Água de Madeiras
Praia da Légua
Praia do Osso da Baleia
Praia do Pedrógão
Praia de Polvoeira
Praia de Pedra do Ouro
Praia de Pedras Negras
Praia do Vale Fundo
Praia Velha
Praia da Vieira
 

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