SMPT19 HUMANITY CASTLE LEIRIA

French students with their penpals and their teachers visit the Leiria castle, which is the landmark of the city. Traces of the various phases of occupation can still be found within its impressive walls, since pre-history and especially during Roman occupation. The following can be found on this hilltop : the castle keep and its courtyard, representing the castle’s stronghold, and the palace, the most impressive and graceful contruction in the entire fortress. Over time, the castle underwent extensive and aesthetic works, the most important of which took place in the 13th and 14th centuries, i.e. between the reign of King Dinis and King João I. 

On the west wall, students can find the door of Betrayal. According to the legend Afonso Henriques used that entrance to access the castle during one of the conquests of the fortification from the Moors. The story remains as an inspiration for the city and the legendary elements, like the crows, are part of Leiria coat of arms.