Portugal

Leiria

Leiria is not a stopover between Lisbon and Porto. It is the city where Portugal was invented. On this 90-minute self-guided audio tour, you will go from the Lis River up to the royal castle on the hilltop, walking through 900 years of history.

This is not just another pretty church tour. You will discover why, without Leiria, the Age of Discovery would have never happened.

You will stand in front of the Moinho do Papel, the first paper mill in Portugal (1411), where the paper for Vasco da Gama's maps was made. You will stop at the small Igreja da Misericórdia, the old synagogue where, in 1496, the first book in Portugal was printed: the Almanach Perpetuum, the astronomical navigation manual Vasco da Gama used to reach India. You will see Praça Rodrigues Lobo with its 16th-century Manueline pillory where justice was served, the austere Counter-Reformation Cathedral burned by Napoleon's troops, and the last remains of the medieval wall on R. Afonso de Albuquerque.

And the best part: you will go up to Leiria Castle without suffering, thanks to 2 free panoramic elevators that take you to the Miradouro da Torre Sineira, the balcony with the best view over lower Leiria.

At the top, in the Gothic palace of King Dinis, the Poet King - the king who created the university, made Portuguese the official language, planted an entire forest with his own hands to stop the dunes, and wrote love songs in its tower - you will understand the whole city you just walked.

English

Leiria: 900 Years on the Frontier - self-guided tour

Unlock the secrets of a medieval city in the heart of Portugal with this Self-Guided Audio Tour of Leiria. History enthusiasts and curious explorers alike will be captivated by the rich tales and stunning architecture that Leiria has to offer. The tour is designed to guide you through an exploration of the town's most significant landmarks, all narrated in a simple and engaging format for an enjoyable experience.

The journey kicks off at the towering Leiria Castle, with its breathtaking views, and concludes at the peaceful Our Lady of the Incarnation Church. Along the way, visit the remarkable Leiria Cathedral, the impressive Misericórdia Church, and the artistic House of Painters. Stroll through the quaint streets of Tavira and marvel at unique structures like the Arch House. Each stop is a thread in the vibrant tapestry of Leiria's history.

This audio adventure leaves you with lasting impressions, from the echoes of music at the historical Bandstand of Leiria to the bustling energy at Rodrigues Lobo Square. Absorb the heritage at the Paper Mill Museum, and allow each site to tell its story. As you walk, embrace the extraordinary combination of art, culture, and history that makes Leiria a fascinating place to explore.

Overview of tourism activities in Leiria, Portugal

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