Leiria - Nearby Locations

To the south of Leiria is the famous Monastery of Batalha dated from the 14th Century. To the east are Fátima and Tomar both of which are very interesting to visitors, the first as a religious shrine and the second for its impressive historical content. For visitors to this area it is recommended that you visit Ourém, a medieval town that lies just to the northeast of Fátima.

This town has a 15th Century castle and in the church is the impressive tomb of Afonso, the grandson of Nuno Alves Pereira, the saviour in the Battle of “Aljubarrota" fought in 1385.

To the north is the smaller town of Pombal mainly associated with the influential 18th Century Portuguese courtier Marquês de Pombal who was forced by his enemies to retire here in disgrace. Again overlooking this town is another impressive castle dating from the 12th Century when it was constructed by the Order of the Knights Templar. In Pombal there is a small museum devoted to the history of its once powerful master. Between the town and the coast is the vast pine forest planted by Dom Dinis to provide an ample supply of wood for the construction of his naval vessels. A long sandy shoreline and the popular holiday resort of São Pedro de Moel edge this forest.