Leiria Civic Center

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Community Centre

District: Leiria > Leiria > Leiria > Bairro dos Anjos

Location

The Leiria Civic Centre is strategically positioned in the heart of the city, on Rua Barão de Viamonte, an integral part of the Bairro dos Anjos. This location is deeply integrated into the historic centre, filling a space that has undergone a notable urban regeneration. Its surroundings allow for a fluid and natural connection with the pulse of the city, contributing to the dynamism and vitality of this central area.

Architecture and Reflections

One of the most striking features of the Civic Centre is its architectural design, authored by Gonçalo Byrne, a prominent name in contemporary Portuguese architecture. The project is distinguished by its surface which creates a singular visual effect: the building's mirrored facade subtly reflects the imposing Leiria Castle, establishing a visual dialogue between the modern and the historic, and symbolically integrating the monument into the more recent urban space.

Literary Legacy

This modern space is a tribute to Eça de Queiroz, one of the pillars of Portuguese literature. The writer lived in Leiria, in the dwelling adjacent to the site where the Civic Centre stands, during the period he served as administrator of the municipality. It was precisely in this city that Eça de Queiroz conceived and wrote part of his masterpiece, "The Crime of Father Amaro." The Civic Centre thus underscores Leiria's strong connection to Eça's life and literary production, solidifying the city as a stage of inspiration for writing.

Space for Cultural Conviviality

The Civic Centre was designed to be a meeting and sharing point, promoting an environment of dialogue between different generations. Its central purpose is to revitalize the cultural, educational, and recreational spheres, hosting initiatives that contribute to social development and the exchange of knowledge. This space thus represents an investment in the quality of community life and the cultural enrichment of the centre of Leiria.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt