Tourist Places To Visit In Leiria

A charming little city that many consider a hidden gem, Leiria continues to draw admirers from across the globe. It is full of unique, historic monuments, universities and religious and cultural sanctuaries. Some of the best places to visit include the Leiria Cathedral, Leiria Castle, and the stunning Igreja de Sao Pedro Church to name just a few. The city is a dream for the culturally and spiritually inclined tourists at heart. It has a modest yet grand atmosphere to it owing to its past glories. To learn more about the most special places to check out, read the article below.

The castle is one of the best places to visit owing to its epic history and medieval design which continues to draw visitors in from far and near. Lovers of design flock here to discover more about the influences that shaped the creation of similar structures in the city. It was created by the onetime ruler of the city King Afonso Henriques in 1135. It was later reconstructed in the 14th century by King Diniz.

An icon of the city, the Leiria Cathedral continues to be one of the best places to visit and stands as a vital historical symbol on unity and strength for the locals. It has been around for a long time, first originating in 1545 thanks to King Joao who first constructed it. It has gone on to be renovated a couple of times over its history. The structure shows multiple examples of the Baroque style of design and there are 2 massive organs located in the structure.

This square is the city centre and is the best place to spend time with family and loved ones, relaxing and enjoying a lovely meal. It is the go-to place for social and cultural gatherings and looks especially charming when lit up at night on a starry night. There are shops, museums, historic monuments and boutiques lining the streets that are buzzing with both local and international tourists.

Located atop of San Gabriel Mountain the stunning Nossa Senhora da Encarnacao Sanctuary is another must-visit place. Overlooking the entire city and surrounding countryside, the church in this area was built in between the 16th and 17th centuries. It is a great place for photography and to meditate in silence as the sun rises or sets. It has a supremely calming influence over all visitors.

Construction on this structure first began in the 1700’s, later being completed in the 19th century. It is one of the most popular places for lovers of architecture and design. It serves as a pilgrimage destination for a lot of devout Catholics who frequent it at least once a year to offer their prayers.

The House of Painters gets its name from the fact the exterior façade of the structure was completed by a diverse group of talented artists over a period of time. An art lovers dream, this is one the must-visit tourist spots for photography. It is visited by many aspiring artists looking for inspiration. The building has been carefully maintained and continues to be a tourist hotspot.

The Historic Centre in Old Town of Leiria is not be missed. It is filled with charm and the distinctive cobblestone streets, magnificent architectural works, carnivals and cultural events that tend to draw admirers from all over the world. It has been revamped by the city over the years and is one of the best places to visit to feel what it was like to live in Leiria in a forgotten time.