Leiria is located between Lisbon and Porto and is among Central Portugal’s busiest districts and trade hubs. The Rio Liz flows through the city’s center, and is one of the city’s popular tourist attractions. Aristocratic mansions and residences built from the 16th and 17th century still marks this inviting town. A memorial to Rodrigues Lobo (1579-1621), a writer who often romanticized Lieria in his prose can also be found in the middle of the Praça de Rodrigues Lobo or town square. Also nearby is the Jardim Público, where the tourist information service center dwells.

The castle is the most prominent tourist attraction in Lieria. It was built originally by Afonso Henriques in the 12th century. During the 14th century, King Dinis rebuilt and expanded the castle to serve as a palatial residence for him and Queen St. Isabel. Today, the rest of the royal castle has been restored, and from the balcony with its Gothic style columns, magnificent views of the town can be seen.

The people of Leiria have not only preserved their town’s structures but also their traditions. Although the city’s economy is dominated by the service industry, Leiria still has a sizable rural population in its surrounding fertile farm areas in which many people continue to engage in the traditional crafts and customs such as pottery, glass blowing, basket weaving and wearing of traditional costumes.

Leiria is both a modern economic hub and a romantic medieval city. As the major city in the centro region with a population of around 120,000, Leiria’s economic influence also includes the nearby cities of Marinha Grande, Fatima, and Alcobaca.

Leiria is also accessible via three major motorways: the Lisbon-Porto motorway or A1, the Lisbon-Leiria motorway of A8 and the Marinha Grande Aveiro motorway or A17. The city is also accessible by train via the Linha do Oeste railway line, so pack your backs and go and see Liera’s castle and traditional crafts!