LEIRIA

town and capital of Leiria distrito (district), Portugal. The town is located 70 miles (115 km) north of Lisbon, a few miles inland from the Atlantic Ocean. It originated as the Roman town of Collippo and was captured by the Moors early in the 8th century. After its reconquest in 1135 by Afonso I, a Romanesque church was built that still remains, as does a well-preserved medieval castle (restored c. 1300). The first Portuguese printing press was established there in 1466. An episcopal see, Leiria has a Renaissance cathedral. The town is an agricultural trade centre for a fertile farming area (wine, olives, corn , sheep) and has tanneries and cement works. Leiria district contains Portugal's largest pine forest. Besides the capital, important towns in the district include Alcobaa, famous for its abbey; Marinha Grande, with a noted glass industry; and Peniche and Nazar, picturesque fishing villages. Area district, 1,354 square miles (3,508 square km). Pop. (1981) town, 12,428; (1991 prelim.) town, 27,531; (1993 est.) district, 426,200.