Guarda

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Guarda is known as the city of the five F's: strong, rich, cold, faithful and beautiful (forte, farta, fria, fiel e formosa). It is the highest Portuguese city, at approximately 1050 meters above sea level. The original city was founded in 1199 with the charter provided by Dom Sancho I, aiming for it to act as a center of commerce and Beirã's border defense against the invaders, reason why it received the what is still its name today. To know this city, start by Praça Luís de Camões, also known as old square. From this heart of the city, located right next to the Cathedral, set off to discover the funny alleys filled with interesting monuments. The highlight goes to the Cathedral, the Castle and the old Episcopal Palace. Make sure to also visit the famous tiles from Vilar Formoso with about fifty panels by João Alves de Sá. The lovers of outdoor sports have in this council several activities to choose from, from hiking trails and cycling up to the paragliding Championships in Linhares and also skiing facilities at Serra da Estrela. The typical products are many, from handicrafts (embroidery, brass bells, weaving and lace) to gastronomy, with emphasis on the Serra da Estrela cheese and sausages. Agriculture and pastoralism predominate in the outlying parishes of Guarda, noting, however, that this is not the case in the city, where trade and services abound. The Serra da Estrela natural park, with more than 100,000 hectares, is responsible for the promotion of the municipality's tourism.

What to do in Guarda

Castelo da Guarda / Torre de Menagem

Guarda

At the highest point of the city, at 1056 meters of altitude, is the Castle, better known as Torre de Menagem. This site was inhabited by order of Dom Sancho I, who granted him a Charter and perks, in 1199, and transferred to the seat of the diocese. This first Charter was confirmed by the same King in 1217, 1229 …

Sé da Guarda

Guarda

The Cathedral of Guarda was built between the 14th and 16th centuries. It possesses two doorways; one is Gothic style and the other in Manueline style. To bring out, on the outside, the two massive octagonal bell towers, gargoyles and pinnacles. On the inside it stands out the Renaissance altarpiece a work done by João de Ruão, the columns, and …

Antiga Judiaria da Guarda

Guarda

Junto à Porta d'El-Rei existiria, em tempos, o Bairro Judeu. A comunidade judaica tem a sua presença documentada desde o início do século XIII, mas vários indícios apontam para a existência do Bairro antes dessa data. Desta forma, é considerada uma das comunidades judaicas mais antigas do país.

Igreja e Edifício da Misericórdia da Guarda

Guarda

This is an 18th century building which was restored during the Joanine period. It is worthy to mention the stonework finely elaborated on the door, pediment, windows, towers and niche. On the main chapel the altar is dedicated to Our Lady of Consolação (Consolation).

Parque Urbano do Rio Diz

Guarda

Playful space of large dimensions, with about 21 hectares, consisting of a reflecting pool, a playground, a polyvalent space semicoberto with rooms for parties and events, a toy library and a library.

Calçada Romana em Ponte da Mizarela

Guarda

Mizarela is a small village about 15 minutes from Guarda, which stands out for its Roman Bridge. In its surroundings, there is a Roman sidewalk of about two kilometers.

Capela de Nossa Senhora do Mileu

Guarda

Romanesque temple which already has elements of transition to Gothic. Consists of two rectangular volumes juxtaposed (a single nave and a chancel), being the front torn by an arched portico back with archivolts. The dogs and capitals are decorated with …

Chafariz de Santo André

Guarda

Large 18th century fountain armorial (Refoios Saraiva family), which is decorated with volutes, dragons and pinnacles. The water gushes through three masks, for a tank clipped.

Painel de Azulejos de Frei Pedro da Guarda

Guarda

Small tile Panel in shades of blue and white, representing Friar Pedro da Guarda with his dog, looking in the snow travelers lost in the Sierra.

Torre dos Ferreiros

Guarda

This is a high stone tower with a portcullis and curved entrance passage. The wall revetment with banquettes, the doors and the keep can still demarcate the medieval town. This tower is one of the entrances to the castle inside …

Museu da Guarda

Guarda

Espaço instalado no antigo Seminário Episcopal construído em 1601 por Dom Nuno de Noronha, Bispo da Guarda. Abriu ao público, como museu, em 1985, sob a designação de Museu da Guarda, dando a conhecer a história do distrito. O acervo …

Chafariz da Dorna

Guarda

Modernity and the past intersect in the surroundings of the Polytechnic Institute of Guarda, with an imposing fountain that marks the distant history of the city. Although it is not possible to define with certainty the height of its construction, …

Museu de Tecelagem dos Meios

Guarda

Museum installed in a former textile mill, where today you can see handloom, which still make quilts from rags and blankets of Pope. It also has on display collars and rattles for sheep and other handicraft products.

TMG - Teatro Municipal da Guarda

Guarda

Large, modern space, consisting of a large auditorium with a capacity of 626 seats and where there are often performances of theatre, music or dance; a small auditorium with a capacity of 161 seats and where plays, concerts and cinema; …

Vestígios da Antiga Vila de Jarmelo

Guarda

The old village of Jarmelo remains, currently, only one set of ruins located on a rise from where you can see a vast area, from serra da Estrela to the serra da Marofa. The story goes that, because of the …

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Travel Guide

Up to date tourist information about the city's top attractions

Between Spain and Serra da Estrela there is a Guarda to discover

Be sure to visit Guarda, a treasure to discover between the border with Spain and Serra da Estrela. All About Portugal …

The best river beaches in Central Portugal

From the Serra da Estrela area to the districts of Santarém and Portalegre are beautiful freshwater beaches.

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Where to eat in Guarda

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Where to sleep in Guarda

Hotel Lusitânia Congress & Spa
Hotel Lusitânia Congress & Spa

4 star

The now named Hotel Lusitania Congress & Spa is a modern and very comfortable unit, one of the outputs from the city of Guarda. With contemporary lines, the Ho…

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Near Guarda

Almeida

Almeida

Almeida's county is located in Beira interior, in an area called Planalto das Mesas. This location, on a bleak plateau, caused it to be an area covet…

Vila Nova de Foz Côa

Vila Nova de Foz Côa

Vila Nova de Foz Coa integrates in the demarcated Douro region, a fertile valley on the shores of the rivers Douro and Coa. This privileged location …

Trancoso

Trancoso

Housed in a mountain area, with units arriving to hit 985 m, municipality of Trancoso enjoys a climate of altitude, with hot summers and harsh winter…

Seia

Seia

Seia is situated on the western slope of the Serra da Estrela mountain range, covering a large part of this important Sierra. It is known for hosting…