Marinha Grande

Infobox_Municipality_pt
official_name = Marinha Grande


image_coat_of_arms = MGR1.png

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District = Leiria
Mayor_name = Alberto Cascalho
Mayor_party = CDU
area_total = 187.1
population_total = 38,030
population_density = 203
Parishes = 3
Region = Centro
Subregion = Pinhal Litoral
coor = 39º45'N 8º56'W
params = 39_45_N_8_56_W
occasion = Ascension Day
day = date varies
website = http://www.cm-mgrande.pt
footnotes =

Marinha Grande (pron. IPA2|mɐ'ɾiɲɐ 'gɾɐ̃d(ɨ)) is a municipality in the district of Leiria, Portugal. The municipality has a population of 38,030 and a total area of 187.1 km². The city itself has a population of 30,000.

The town is composed of three parishes: Vieira de Leiria, Marinha Grande, and Moita. It is located right in the middle of the 700 year old Leiria pine forest covering 100 square kilometres, and near exquisite beaches such as Praia da Vieira, Nazaré, and São Pedro de Moel.

The present Mayor is Alberto Cascalho, elected by the Unitarian Democratic Coalition.

The municipal holiday is Ascension Day.

Parishes

* Marinha Grande
* Moita
* Vieira de Leiria

History

The Pinhal de Leiria forest was first planted in the 13th century by Dom Alfonso III and expanded by Dom Denis as a barrier against the sands and to supply timber to the maritime industry. The Marinha Grande glass manufacturing industry was first established in the middle of the 18th century. The Royal Glass Factory (Real Fabrica de Vidros) was bought by an English entrpreneur William Stephens who developed the factory and the business under the protection of the Marques de Pombal. The wood from the pine forest was used to fuel the factories. The former palacial home of William Stephens now contains the Museu do Vidro da Marinha Grande which houses glassware from the 17th-20th centuries. In 1826, the factory was given to the state and became one of the country's main producers of traditionally made fine crystal. [ [http://www.portugalvacances.com/english/circuit8_b_3.php Travel in Portugal - Nazare - Marinha Grande] ]

Economy

Marinha Grande is Portugal's biggest glass manufacturer, and it is also the European capital for the moulding industry, with 250 companies operating there, rightfully giving the town the nickname 'The Crystal City'.

The city is served by train and highway. It is 1 hour and 15 min away from Lisbon, and only 10 min away from Leiria.

Tourism

The pine forest is an aromatic forest and has waymarked paths for walkers. It has several campsites within it. There is a cycle route from Marinha Grande to São Pedro de Moelon the coast. There are tours around the glass works and to the glass museums.

References

External links

* [http://www.cm-mgrande.pt Municipality official website]
* [http://www.flickr.com/photos/vitor107/sets/1419777/ Photos from Marinha Grande]