About Leiria

Leiria is a historic city in Portugal with a rich culture and heritage. The city is situated on a hilltop overlooking the Lisbon coast, and its strategic position has made it an important military town since the Middle Ages. Today, Leiria is a popular tourist destination for its many ancient monuments and castles, as well as its lively nightlife and vibrant culture. The city of Leiria was founded in the 12th century by King Afonso Henriques, who chose the site for its defensive advantages. The city quickly became an important stronghold in the wars against the Moorish kingdoms of Spain, and its strategic position made it a target for Spanish raids. Leiria was sacked by the Spanish in 1384, but it was recaptured by the Portuguese in 1411. During the Portuguese Age of Discoveries, Leiria was the departure point for many expeditions to Africa and the New World. The city prospered during this time, and its population grew rapidly. Leiria was badly damaged by an earthquake in 1858, and many of its medieval buildings were destroyed. The city was rebuilt in the 19th century, and its architecture is a mix of Baroque, Gothic and Renaissance styles. The Castle of Leiria, which overlooks the city, is one of the most prominent landmarks in Leiria. The castle was built in the 12th century to defend the city from Spanish raids, and it was expanded in the 14th century. The castle complex includes a keep, towers, walls and a moat, and it is one of the best-preserved castles in Portugal. The Church of Nossa Senhora da Piedade is another major landmark in Leiria. The church was built in the 18th century on the site of an earlier church that was destroyed by the earthquake of 1755. The church is decorated with Baroque art, and its interior is lavishly gilded. The Municipal Museum of Leiria is housed in a 16th-century building that was once a convent. The museum houses a collection of paintings, sculptures and ceramics, as well as a library with a large collection of books and manuscripts. The Leiria Zoological Park is located on the outskirts of the city, and it is home to a variety of animals, including lions, tigers, giraffes and rhinos. The zoo also has a children's farm, where kids can pet and feed the animals. The city of Leiria is an important cultural center in Portugal, and it is home to many festivals and events throughout the year. The Leiria Music Festival is one of the most popular events in the city, and it attracts musicians from all over the world. The festival takes place in July, and it features a wide range of musical genres, from classical to jazz. The Leiria Carnival is another major event in the city, and it is held every year in February. The carnival is a huge street party with music, dancing and costumes, and it is one of the biggest and best-known carnivals in Portugal.