Look into Leiria´s ancient and beautiful castle and learn about its history and significance to the history of Portugal. Built by the first Portuguese King, D. Afonso Henriques, the castle was key to the southwards expansion of the new nation that was being formed during the process of the “Reconquista” (Reconquest).
Centuries later, the castle became a royal palace where the elegance of court life was cultivated while King John I oversaw the construction of his pet project, and gothic architecture gem, Monastery of Batalha, nearby.
Learn about the history of the Jews in Leiria and the impact they had in the country from this very city: it was in Leiria that the first book ever was printed in the Iberian Peninsula… It was a book written by a Jew and printed in a typography owned by another Jew. The synagogue of the old Jewish quarter gave way to a church, which is now the Center of Intercultural Dialogue of Leiria, which you will visit.
This tour will take you through the main sites and landmarks of Leiria, including the Painters House, the Arch House, Leiria´s Cathedral and much more.
You will follow the footsteps of Eça de Queiroz, one of the most important writers in the Portuguese language, and Rodrigues Lobo, the city´s most famous poet. Last but not least, we will give you a taste of a local delicacy: Brisa do Lis.
In front of Leiria Tourism Office
