Monuments

Close to one of the bridges over the River Lis in Leiria is the Igreja do Espírito Santo, a church founded in 1628 and rebuilt in the 18th century.

The friary was founded in 1306 and, at the time, was responsible for maintaining a hospital. Its social mission was transferred to the Misericórdia de Leiria when this charitable institution was formed in the 16th century.

The single-nave church was built in a very simple style without any major artistic features and with a decoration consisting of wood painted in imitation of marble. However, amongst the friary’s treasures are two fine statues from the 16th and 17th century, representing the Holy Spirit and St. Rita, although these are not exhibited in the church.