Coded by Joana Silva
Leiria Castle (Castelo de Leiria) is set on a hill overlooking the town of Leiria in the Estremadura region of central Portugal.
Dom Afonso Henriques, the first King of Portugal, reconquered the original Moorish castle for the Christians in 1135. The castle was, however, recaptured by the Moors in 1190. Two years later King Dom Sancho I finally retook it and rebuilt the walls. The keep (Torre de Menagem) was constructed by Dom Dinis in 1324 with further additions to the castle made by King Manuel I in the early 16th century. Over time the castle gradually fell into disuse and disrepair and was damaged by French forces during the Peninsular War (1807-1814). Restoration work began in the 1920's and 1930's under the direction of the Swiss-born architect Ernesto Korrodi. The castle has played an important part in Portugal's history being the residence for a time for Dom Dinis and his queen, Elizabeth of Aragon and it also hosted the royal court at various times during the reign of Ferdinand I.
Nowadays, Leiria Castle has a pleasant garden within its impressive walls and a ruined 12th century church, the Igreja de Nossa Senhora de Pena as well as the Paços Reais (Royal Palace). The Torre de Menagem holds a museum with wall panel, video and photographs explaining the history and importance of the castle. The arched loggia has great views over the city and surrounding countryside. The loggia was used for royal receptions in days gone by. The castle is illuminated at night and makes for a beautiful sight.
Coded by Joana Silva