The castle on the wooded hilltop above Leiria was captured from the Moors by Alfonso Henriques in 1135 and became the royal residence of Dom Dinis in the 14th century.
The town has traditional narrow streets in its old quarter with cobbled streets that open out into squares that are often filled with cafés. Candido dos Reis is a particular haunt for the students of the town. The old town is focused around Praca Rodriques Lobo with several hotels and restaurants nearby. The hilltop castle is a short walk uphill to the north. There are free car parks to the north of the town and it's easy to find parking around the outskirts of the old town.
Between the new commercial avenues and the castle, a small part of the town still keeps the traces on antiquity. Easy to stroll provide good views and ambiance
In the much-loved cobbled centre of the town, arcaded buildings and archways share the streets with a 12th century