Leiria

About

According to a popular Portuguese rhyme, Leiria has a river that flows uphill, a tower that does not have a cathedral, a cathedral that does not have a tower, and a High Street that is not straight. Built at the foot of a promontory that’s been fortified since Moorish times, the town’s dramatically situated castle offers visitors commanding views of the narrow streets and red-tiled roofs of the historic centre, built along the lazy curves of the Rio Lis. The historic city center houses the 12th century church of São Pedro and a Cathedral with 17th century artwork. The Praça Rodrigues Lobo offers visitors great views of the castle, and a scenic place to enjoy some local cuisine. The surrounding pine forest is courtesy of Dom Dinis, the poet king, who planted the trees to control the shifting sand dunes, and to provide quality timber for the building of ships.