Castle of Leiria, Portugal
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The Castle of Leiria is a medieval castle belonging to the municipality of Leiria, Portugal! My city ???
It has been listed as a National monument since 1910.
The architecture clearly indicates the medieval origins of this city.
The construction was ordered by the 1st king of Portugal D. Afonso Henriques, a way of establish a defensive line against the Moors?. But still, they took over Leiria twice?
He ordered a small chapel to be built in honour of Our Lady of Mercy before handing over this military stronghold to Paio Guterres, the first governor of Leiria.
In 1142, after re-conquering definetly Leiria, D. Afonso Henriques ordered the reinforcement of the Castle’s defences.
Towards the end of the century, around the year 1195, the castle walls were reinforced by king Sancho I. After that, the region was finally secured by the Christian crusaders.
The importance of the town soon became the stage to some important events, such as the 1st reunion of the courts, and it was the residence to King D. Dinis and Queen Saint Isabel, and also to the marriage of king’s D. João I son (D. Afonso).
An inscription on the Keep reveals it was built at the same time as the Royal Palaces on the initiative of king Dinis in 1324 who also ordered the reconstruction of the Church.
Far removed from it's original role, the Castle again took on a prominent role in the city’s history at the beginning of the 20th century. It was innovatively restored by Ernesto Korrodi and the Liga dos Amigos do Castelo (League of Castle Friends). Together, they did much to improve Leiria’s urban landscape.
Throughout the centuries, the Castle progressively started loosing it's military value and during the French invasions it was damaged. Only in the end of the 19th century, remodelling works were initiated and already in the 20th century it was classified as National Monument. ??
The Castle was built over a irregular polygonal plan, with solid walls and towers. So if you're interested of visiting the castle, I'll suggest you to enter by The Albacara Gateway, it's inside a defensive bastion.
Currently, the walled enclosure is ideal for a historical stroll and a centre-piece of Leiria providing a vantage point for looking out over the city’s development and countryside ??
In the last few years, in August, it host a Gothic Festival Entremuralhas! This festival has a truly eclectic programme and always has amazing music shows to enjoy the darkness!
Hope you enjoyed it.??
Alex
It has been listed as a National monument since 1910.
The architecture clearly indicates the medieval origins of this city.
The construction was ordered by the 1st king of Portugal D. Afonso Henriques, a way of establish a defensive line against the Moors?. But still, they took over Leiria twice?
He ordered a small chapel to be built in honour of Our Lady of Mercy before handing over this military stronghold to Paio Guterres, the first governor of Leiria.
In 1142, after re-conquering definetly Leiria, D. Afonso Henriques ordered the reinforcement of the Castle’s defences.
Towards the end of the century, around the year 1195, the castle walls were reinforced by king Sancho I. After that, the region was finally secured by the Christian crusaders.
The importance of the town soon became the stage to some important events, such as the 1st reunion of the courts, and it was the residence to King D. Dinis and Queen Saint Isabel, and also to the marriage of king’s D. João I son (D. Afonso).
An inscription on the Keep reveals it was built at the same time as the Royal Palaces on the initiative of king Dinis in 1324 who also ordered the reconstruction of the Church.
Far removed from it's original role, the Castle again took on a prominent role in the city’s history at the beginning of the 20th century. It was innovatively restored by Ernesto Korrodi and the Liga dos Amigos do Castelo (League of Castle Friends). Together, they did much to improve Leiria’s urban landscape.
Throughout the centuries, the Castle progressively started loosing it's military value and during the French invasions it was damaged. Only in the end of the 19th century, remodelling works were initiated and already in the 20th century it was classified as National Monument. ??
The Castle was built over a irregular polygonal plan, with solid walls and towers. So if you're interested of visiting the castle, I'll suggest you to enter by The Albacara Gateway, it's inside a defensive bastion.
Currently, the walled enclosure is ideal for a historical stroll and a centre-piece of Leiria providing a vantage point for looking out over the city’s development and countryside ??
In the last few years, in August, it host a Gothic Festival Entremuralhas! This festival has a truly eclectic programme and always has amazing music shows to enjoy the darkness!
Hope you enjoyed it.??
Alex
LiaF7 › Love this castle. Leiria, Obidos, Guimarães, Sta Maria da Feira and Almourol are places with wonderful castles. Torres Vedras has a Castle in ruins. Suffered too many battles. Last year went again to Leiria's castle, they do so many events there :)
Alex › Sim.. o festival gótico por exemplo
viktorija64 › very nice article
Explorer2017 › Very nice article
