Cortes is the cradle of the River Lis, the genuine soul of a land that has served as inspiration to generation upon generation of poets.

Farmland irrigated by the river’s waters, the noria visitors will find here has become iconic of the area, even figuring as the central motif of the local coat of arms.

A locale with fantastic landscapes mainly composed of vineyards, orchards and pine forests, the story goes that the Cortes gained its name from the first royal “Court” being held here by King Afonso III in 1245, having summoned the local population as well as the nobility and clergy.

The feast of this region’s patron saint, Our Lady of the Cage, is held annually on the first Sunday of May.

Cortes shines in terms of its cuisine, with traditional dishes served in several restaurants, key ingredients being lentils, rice blood sausage, negritos sausage, cod with breadcrumbs, and egg-based confectionery such as the famous Brisas do Lis and almond pudding, among many other specialities.

Natural Heritage
– Natural viewpoint of Our Lady of the Hill (Senhora do Monte)
– Serra da Senhora do Monte (Senhora do Monte)
– Lis River Springs
– Grota Spring (elevation 400 m)
– Figueiras Spring, the biggest one
– Archeological Heritage
– Quinta do Cónego Palaeolithic site (Cortes, Leiria)
– Roman archaeological remains in Fontes (at the foothill of Serra da Senhora do Monte, Cortes, Leiria)

Urban Heritage
– Casa-museu / Centro Cultural João Soares (Cortes)
– On the right riverbank of the Lis river, near Cortes, stand the riverside manor houses. These buildings feature a simple romantic façade, but their majestic size makes them standout when compared to the poorer housing of that time.

Religious Heritage
– Igreja da Nossa Senhora da Gaiola – Church of Our Lady of the Cage (Cortes main church) (Cortes)
– Capela de Nossa Senhora do Monte – Chapel of Our Lady of the Hill (Senhora do Monte)
– Capela de Santa Bárbara – Saint Barbara Chapel (Cortes)
– Capela da Senora de Lourdes – Chapel of Our Lady of Lourdes (Fontes)
– Capela da Senhora da Saúde – Chapel of Our Lady of Health (Famalicão)
– Capela de Santa Marta – Saint Martha Chapel (Reixida)
– Nicho de N. Sra. do Rosário – Our Lady of the Rosary Niche (Cortes)

LOCATION
> GPS: 39º 42′ 02.64″ N;8º 47′ 16.15″0.
> How to get there: https://bit.ly/2XD630B