As the highest town in Portugal (at an elevation of about 1056m/3465ft),
Guarda has always played an important role as a defensive site.
It is thought to have been a military base for Julius Caesar, later for
the Visigoths, and eventually for the Moors. Today it is a good base to
explore Serra da
Estrela.
Towering into the sky is a gothic cathedral that also dominates the
town's central square.
It was built between the 14th and 16th centuries, with Gothic, Renaissance,
and Manueline elements. In the graceful interior are twisted pillars and
arched vaulting, and a masterpiece Renaissance altar of white marble, gilded
in the 18th century with 100 high-relief figures.
Nearby is Misericordia Church, with an ornamental portal and Baroque
altars, and north of the cathedral is São Vicente Church, with 16
elaborate tile panels depicting the life of Christ.
The Town Museum is housed in the old bishop's palace, and displays
paintings and archaeological finds.
Places Nearby
Serra
da Estrela - Skiing down the mountain; ghost towns; historical
museum-villages
Belmonte
- Historical "Jewish town;" a great pousada Monsanto
- Enchanting mountain village squeezed between gigantic boulders
Viseu -
Fine old town; 16th century art
Gothic austerity in a highly elevated town
Towering into the sky is a gothic cathedral that also dominates the
town's central square.
It was built between the 14th and 16th centuries, with Gothic, Renaissance,
and Manueline elements. In the graceful interior are twisted pillars and
arched vaulting, and a masterpiece Renaissance altar of white marble, gilded
in the 18th century with 100 high-relief figures.
Nearby is Misericordia Church, with an ornamental portal and Baroque
altars, and north of the cathedral is São Vicente Church, with 16
elaborate tile panels depicting the life of Christ.