Built into the mountain landscape of Serra da Estrela, Guarda was one of the most important strongholds in a set of fortifications which defended the Portuguese border against Castile and León during the Middle Ages.
There are traces of human inhabitants since Pre-History and this is the highest city in Portugal. It was officially founded by King Sancho I who granted it the charter in 1190. The door which protects national territory is also the entrance to a municipality you should discover. Here, several routes like the Historic Villages,Borders Castles, Jewries and Pre-History routes meet.
In the area
If you want to know more about the historical origins of the Guarda region, you should visit the municipality of Fornos de Algodres which preserves some of the most important archaeological traces in Beira. Start with the Corgas da Matança Dolmen and then continue to the Cortiçô Dolmen and see how these megalithic structures blend into nature. Visit the Bronze Age village of Fraga da Pena or the Santiago Hill Fort and recreate the ancient lives of mountain towns. Follow the stretches of the Roman sidewalk at Maceira and Fornos and then visit the medieval necropolis of Forcadas and Vila Ruiva. Fall in love with the traces of History!
@ Centro de Portugal
