Guarda can be explored on different scales: its walled historic centre preserves more than eight centuries of history. The Torre de Menagem stands at the city’s highest point, at 1,056.3 metres; its 360-degree views extend across Guarda and the surrounding region. Medieval traces and a far-reaching horizon thus offer two different perspectives on the city.

Walls, churches and historic traces

The former Jewish quarter extended from Porta d’El-Rei to the forecourt of Igreja de S. Vicente; it was bounded by the city walls and Rua Direita. Igreja de S. Vicente stands within the medieval walls. Its present form is a Baroque reconstruction from the 18th century. Blue-and-white azulejos depict scenes from the lives of Mary and Christ. The boundaries of the quarter and the images in the church offer different ways of discovering Guarda’s history.

Construction of the present-day Sé da Guarda began in 1390 and was completed in the Manueline context. Its interior is Gothic in style: a central nave, two side aisles, a prominent transept and a clearly defined chancel divide the space. The cathedral offers a way to consider both its long history of construction and the forms of its interior.

Torre dos Ferreiros dates from the 13th century, was built at the behest of King D. Dinis and has been classified as a National Monument since 1956. Its summit can be reached by panoramic lift or stairs. Check current access arrangements before your visit.

Museu da Guarda was founded by the municipal administration in 1940. Its collections include archaeology and numismatics, sacred sculpture and paintings from the 13th to the 18th century, and weapons from the 17th to the 20th century. The former Convento de S. Francisco da Guarda comprises a church, an enclosed courtyard and a cloister. The convent was founded in the 13th century; most of its present-day architecture dates from the 16th and 17th centuries. Igreja da Misericórdia is one of Guarda’s most imposing late Baroque buildings. Porta da Erva, also known as Porta da Estrela, is part of the city’s defensive system and probably dates from the 13th century.

Views, trails and water

From Torre de Menagem, you can see the city as well as the fortifications of Trancoso and Pinhel, Vila do Jarmelo and areas beyond the Côa. This view takes in named places and landscapes around Guarda.

Passadiços do Mondego is located within the Serra da Estrela Natural Park and the Estrela UNESCO Global Geopark. On a different scale, Ecovia da Guarda is a trail about nine kilometres long that follows part of the Via de Cintura Externa da Guarda (VICEG), runs between Lameirinhas and other neighbourhoods, and connects them. A trail within protected areas and a route between neighbourhoods thus offer different ways to explore.

At the Caldeirão Reservoir, there is a river bathing area with a floating pool; its operation may vary seasonally. The reservoir’s river park has changing rooms, a bar with a terrace and a lawn for visitors. These facilities may also vary seasonally.

Morcela is one of Guarda’s gastronomic specialities. For journeys within the city, ETUG operates the urban transport service; check current routes and timetables before travelling. The railway station provides access to the Beira Alta and Beira Baixa lines, with connections to buses and taxis. As train services and connections can change, it is worth checking the latest information before your journey.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Guarda, Videmonte, Faia, Castanheira, Porto da Carne, Corujeira, Maçainhas de Baixo, Aguiar Da Beira.

Go to the main travel overview: Guarda.