The origin of the first population cluster is still unknown. It is believed, however, that it may date back to the Neolithic period. However, there are no doubts about the presence of Romans in the region of Pombal, attested by a treasure of coins found in the restoration works of the castle. In the beginning of the XII century, the Templars passed through the region. In 1126 they would have found a village in the place of Chões, today disappeared. This deserted land, of inhospitable bushes and forests between Coimbra and Leiria, was situated at the frontier of the battles against the Saracens. For this reason, a military fortress was built here.
The Marquis of Pombal, who lived here from 1777 to 1782, was responsible for the development of the lower part of the town. In the Old Square he built the jail, in the place of the old pillory, and the granary, on the opposite side. The development of the region was stopped by the French invasions. In 1811 the troops commanded by general Massena sacked and set fire to the whole town and, in 1833, the cholera-morbus transformed Pombal into an abandoned locality.
With the urban renewal and the construction of modern means of communication, Pombal ceased to be an isolated municipality. Taking advantage of its location, new industries began to be implanted in Pombal, the civil construction flourished and the establishments of commerce and services proliferated, turning the city into one of the most prosperous of Leiria's district, and giving to the county a unique development in the centre region of the country.
Pombal is a land of history, legends and illustrious people, such as the Marquis of Pombal, the historian and writer João de Barros, among many others. It is about 150 km from the cities of Lisbon and Porto, 33 km from Coimbra, 26 km from Leiria and 30 km from Figueira da Foz.
The county's climate is typical of Mediterranean areas, in which one can strongly feel the presence of two predominant seasons: winter, rainy and with mild temperatures; and summer, dry and with high temperatures. Spring and autumn are variable and short-lived.
In tourism, there are plenty of beaches, routes and itineraries where you can go hiking to get to know the municipality in depth. But also the Serra de Sicó is worth a visit, to get to know its landscapes. In addition, you can get to know Pombal's vast architectural and archaeological heritage.
The local handicraft and gastronomy are a reflection of the high contrast between the modern and the medieval of the city, with strong influences of the sea and the mountain. The handicrafts include baskets and rush mats, pottery and regional costumes. In the gastronomy, the highlight goes to the soup "à lavrador", the codfish "à lagareiro", the "tortulhos", the "torresmos", the stewed lamb and the crumbed cabbage with cowpeas. For dessert, do not forget to taste the "biscoitos de Louriçal", the "fornilhos", the "bolos de Redilha", the "tigeladas", the "bolinhas de triga-milha", the cinnamon dreams, the "coscorões" and the olive oil corn bread.
Source: Pombal City Hall