Located on the northern edge of the Serra da Estrela mountain range, Guarda boasts a charming setting centered around a medieval castle.
In Guarda, you can explore remnants of ancient walls and two towers that serve as a testament to its rich history. The Jewish quarter, with its Hebrew inscriptions dating back to the 1100s, adds an intriguing element to the city.
One of the main attractions is the magnificent Gothic cathedral, which allows visitors to climb onto its roof for panoramic views of the city.
As you wander through the old town streets, you’ll be captivated by the 17th-century palaces and medieval mansions that proudly display their families’ coats of arms.
For a thrilling experience, venture into the Serra da Estrela and immerse yourself in the breathtaking mountain scenery. Alternatively, take day trips to picturesque upland villages or visit nearby beaches where you can enjoy refreshing dips in the cool river waters.
Guarda Cathedral
Undoubtedly the most prominent monument in Guarda, the cathedral showcases a Gothic style with notable Manueline influences. Construction began in 1390 and spanned until the mid-16th century, incorporating captivating and dramatic stonework during later additions.
These intricate details can be admired on the portal, the ornate pinnacles adorning each exterior wall, and the intricately twisted columns inside. Unlike Portuguese Baroque architecture, the medieval origins of the church result in a more restrained decorative style. However, its allure lies in the impressive vaulted ceilings, a magnificent limestone reredos crafted in 1553, and its grand sense of scale.
For an extraordinary experience, ascend the stairs to the cathedral’s roof, offering panoramic vistas of Guarda and its surrounding countryside. From this vantage point, you can marvel at the soaring flying buttresses and exquisite pinnacles that adorn the structure.
Guarda’s Defensive Walls
While strolling through Guarda’s charming old town, you will encounter stone passageways and discover remnants of the city’s medieval walls, which continue to demarcate its urban limits. These fortifications were erected during the reign of Sancho I at the turn of the 13th century and were reinforced by subsequent monarchs over a span of 200 years.
One of the most well-preserved sections is the Torre dos Ferreiros, built during the reign of King Denis. This tower safeguarded a city gate and contains an oratory adorned with an image of a crucified Christ, known as “Senhor dos Aflitos” or “Lord of the Afflicted.”
Guarda Castle
Situated atop the highest point of Portugal’s highest city, Guarda Castle, also known as Torre de Menagem, is essentially an integral part of the city walls. This tower boasts an irregular pentagonal design and stands proudly on a solitary granite outcrop. Visitors can access the castle via a stairway leading up from the city, and the effort is well worth it for the breathtaking bird’s-eye view of Guarda that awaits from this commanding vantage point. Additionally, inside the castle, there is a small museum that offers insights into the city’s history, although please note that it has limited opening times.
Praça Luís de Camões
Situated in front of the cathedral, Praça Luís de Camões serves as the central square of Guarda and presents a delightful pedestrian-friendly space surrounded by historic houses adorned with white paint or exposed granite walls. Within this charming square, there are a few notable features that provide a deeper understanding of the city. One such feature is the statue of Sancho I, who reigned from 1185 to 1211 and granted Guarda its city charter in 1199. Adjacent to the square, housed within an elegant old building with a loggia, visitors will find the tourist office and the Loja da Guarda. The shop offers authentic regional products and handicrafts, including items such as yarn, jewelry, soap, and chocolate.
Guarda Museum
Located within the premises of the episcopal seminary, Guarda Museum offers a captivating journey through the region’s history in a chronological manner. Established in 1940, the museum houses an extensive collection of over 4,800 artifacts. Visitors can explore archaeological pieces predating the Roman era, as well as sculptures and sacred paintings from religious institutions. The museum also showcases antique firearms and Portuguese paintings from the 19th century. Exhibits dedicated to the folk traditions of Guarda feature archive photographs, ceramics, and traditional games, providing insights into the local heritage.
The seminary itself deserves recognition, as it is a remarkable example of Mannerist architecture dating back to 1601. Its noble porch adorned with columns, arches, and gargoyles adds to its aesthetic appeal.
Old Centre
After leisurely exploring Praça Luís de Camões and the charming streets that connect it (such as Largo da Sé or Dom Miguel de Alarcão), you may notice a delightful feature adorning some of the more distinguished houses: sculpted family coat of arms on their facades. These ornate details add a touch of grandeur to the surroundings.
Not far from the city gate known as Porta d’El Rei, lies the former Jewish quarter of Guarda, dating back to the 1200s. Although now mostly gone, keen observers can still find Hebrew inscriptions that offer glimpses into the area’s past.
Behind the cathedral, don’t miss the Solar do Alarcão, a magnificent mansion constructed in 1686, complete with an adjoining chapel. This impressive structure has been transformed into a heritage hotel, known as a pousada, offering a stylish and comfortable accommodation option for those seeking an unforgettable stay.
São Vicente Church
Situated on Rua Direita, one of the main streets in the old town, São Vicente Church is a notable landmark that connects Porta d’El Rei with Porta da Erva. While the church has medieval origins, it underwent a complete reconstruction in the 1790s under the guidance of António Fernandes Rodrigues, who received his training in Italy. This architectural gem is a must-visit due to the remarkable tiles adorning the walls of its nave. These intricately designed panels depict various scenes from the Bible, including the Annunciation, the Visitation, the Passion, the flight to Egypt, and the Tower of David, among others.
Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Mileu
Located just outside the city walls, a short walk from the center of Guarda, stands one of the city’s oldest monuments, the Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Mileu. The precise founding date of this Romanesque chapel remains unknown, but it is believed to have served as a Christian place of worship during the Moorish era, possibly predating the 1100s. This modest yet sturdy structure has gained significance as a pilgrimage site since the 1300s and is positioned along one of the routes to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Adding to its intrigue, the chapel is surrounded by ruins discovered in 1953, which may have origins dating back to Roman times, further shrouding the site in mystery.
Guarda Municipal Theater
When it comes to cultural events in Guarda, the go-to venue is undoubtedly the Municipal Theater. This minimalist building, characterized by two imposing cubes made of concrete and glass, sets the stage for various artistic endeavors. The larger cube houses two auditoriums, with the bigger one accommodating up to 600 spectators. Meanwhile, the smaller cube features a live music stage and a gallery space. Since its inauguration in 2005, the Municipal Theater has emerged as a modern landmark for the city. Despite its mid-sized status, the theater offers an eclectic and impressive program that encompasses plays, orchestral concerts, fado performances, theater productions, dance shows, independent film screenings, as well as exhibitions showcasing contemporary art and photography.
Rio Diz Urban Park
Located a few kilometers away from the old town, Rio Diz Urban Park is a recreational haven that will captivate visitors upon first glance. This freely accessible public space boasts an array of imaginative climbing frames, certain to delight young visitors. The park features a tower equipped with slides, a variety of climbing structures, see-saws, and roundabouts. Additionally, an intriguing installation resembling a space station allures both children and adults alike, offering metallic tunnels for little ones to crawl through. Exploring the park’s meandering paths is made even more enjoyable by the option to rent pedal karts, providing children with a fun means of transportation.
Linhares da Beira Castle
Similar to Guarda, Linhares da Beira Castle, located to the west, was commissioned by Sancho I and served as a strategic fortress in the elevated Serra da Estrela region. Following the “reconquest” of Portugal from the Moors in the mid-13th century, attention turned towards the eastern regions, including modern-day Spain. This formidable castle was constructed with two walled enclosures, two cisterns for drinking water, and four gates. The castle, featuring dramatic rectangular towers, is an absolute must-visit. Additionally, take some time to explore the charming old village nearby, with its labyrinthine cobblestone streets adding to its allure.
Tower of Centum Cellas
A short drive to the south brings you to an intriguing ruin perched atop a hill, offering panoramic views in every direction. This structure, known as the Tower of Centum Cellas, dates back to Roman times. For many years, it was commonly assumed to be a defensive edifice. However, the truth behind this enigmatic ruin is even more fascinating. It was, in fact, part of a splendid villa constructed around the 1st century. The villa belonged to Lucius Caecilius, who amassed his wealth through the tin trade. In medieval times, the building was repurposed as a chapel and also served as a watchtower, adding further layers to its historical significance.
Sortelha: A Glimpse into the Past
Sortelha, consistently vying for the title of the most beautiful village in Portugal, is akin to a magnificent time capsule. Nestled atop a hill, this small settlement boasts stone houses shielded by 13th-century walls, overlooked by a commanding castle. The village’s formidable appearance stems from its historical role as a frontier village, constantly under the threat of Castile and Leon to the east during medieval times. As a testament to its significance, the walls and captivating granite streets have been meticulously preserved. In the 19th century, the residents relocated to more fertile lands around the suburbs, leaving Sortelha frozen in time.
Serra da Estrela: Nature’s Splendor
Guarda, located in close proximity to mainland Portugal’s highest mountain range, Serra da Estrela, offers an extraordinary natural experience. This expansive granite ridge is adorned with glacial valleys and renowned for its dense pine, chestnut, and holm oak forests, as well as peculiar granite rock formations. During winter, it stands as the sole destination in Portugal where one can indulge in skiing or snowboarding. While the ski station lies towards the southern part of the park, the northern region beckons visitors with scenic drives and the opportunity to witness awe-inspiring natural wonders like the Poço do Inferno waterfall. For those seeking adventure, there are nearly 400 kilometers of marked trails, ideal for hiking, horseback riding, or mountain biking.
