This region, where the sea is always present, is considered particularly interesting to live, study and work, not only for the quality of the economical and material resources, but also for the richness and beauty of natural and cultural, a characteristic of the region.
Leiria, the capital of the regional district, hosts the Polytechnic of Leiria headquarters and three of its schools: the School of Education and Social Sciences (ESECS), the School of Technology and Management (ESTG) and the School of Health Sciences (ESSLei). It is a small city size where you can find the old and the new and a very good cultural tradition, hand in hand with a safe environment and a very good quality of life. Guarded by its beautiful castle has leisure areas to walk and enjoy throughout Lis river bank, cinemas and cultural spaces. In the historical center, besides finding the traditional flea market, you can attend cafes and bars, terraces and other places of interest. In the evening, which is always lively, especially in the Rodrigues Lobo Square (Praça Rodrigues Lobo), you will find many of our students, about 11,500 students are studying and living in the city.
The region of Leiria and West is rich in historical and cultural heritage. There are two of the most beautiful Portuguese monuments in – the Batalha Monastery and Alcobaça Monastery – classified by UNESCO as World Heritage. These two historical and artistic treasures of Gothic-style symbolize great moments in the history of Portugal, therefore not exempt a visit. The first – whose construction was ordered by the D. João I in honour of the Portuguese victory at the Battle of Aljubarrota, in 1385, and the second – a repository of the vast and centuries-old presence of Cistercian monks, where lie the tombs of D. Pedro and D. Inês de Castro, who represents the most beautiful tale of love story of Portuguese kings. The nearby castles of Leiria, Ourém and Porto de Mós, medieval and haughty, carry out centuries of history and memory and also deserve a visit.
Fátima Shrine, located 20 minutes away from Leiria, is a place of reference that annually receives over five million pilgrims, being one of the most important Marian sanctuaries in the world.
There are many places of interest that you cannot fail to visit and learn about!