Leiria, Municipality and city in Central Portugal.
Leiria is a municipality and city in Central Portugal located between Lisbon and Porto. The Lis River runs through the town center, dividing the area into two main sections with the old town sitting on a hillside and newer neighborhoods spreading across the plain.
The settlement began in 1142 when King Afonso Henriques built a fortress to defend against Moorish forces. Over the following centuries, the town grew into a trading center and experienced periods of expansion and rebuilding under different royal houses.
The Institute for Higher Learning operates several campuses across the region, bringing together young people from across the country. Residents often gather in the main squares and along the riverside promenades, where cafés and small shops form part of daily life.
The town center is easy to explore on foot, with four main shopping areas spread around the squares and along the river. Steep streets lead up to the castle district, while the riverside area stays flat and offers easier access.
The medieval castle becomes a live music venue during the Entremuralhas festival. The old stone walls form a natural backdrop for performances, where the open-air acoustics of the fortified site create a setting for concerts.
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