The granting of its Royal Charter on 27 November 1199 by King Sancho I marks the foundation of Guarda, the highest city in mainland Portugal. Over eight centuries of history have left a remarkable legacy of heritage and culture, now enriched by a vibrant and diverse cultural agenda.
Known as the City of Health and Pure Air, Guarda welcomes visitors with sweeping landscapes and a wealth of natural and architectural heritage.
A city of warm hospitality and rich gastronomy, it is especially renowned for its exceptional cheese and cured meats — with the famous morcela da Guarda (blood sausage) standing out as a local delicacy.
Strong, Generous, Cold, Loyal and Beautiful — Guarda is all of this, and more.
It awaits your visit.
When King Sancho I repopulated Guarda, he saw the city rise on the tips of its toes, perched beside the castle at 1,056 metres above sea level — so close to the heavens, so lifted from the earth. He immediately sought to meet its spiritual aspirations by opening a gateway to the Infinite.
By the late 12th and early 13th centuries, Guarda had become a key strategic stronghold in the king’s settlement policy, which led to the transfer of the episcopal seat from ancient Egitânia (Idanha-a-Velha) to Guarda.
Construction of the current Guarda Cathedral began in the late 14th century and continued through to the 16th century. This imposing granite structure is a unique blend of Gothic and Manueline styles, and remains one of Portugal’s most significant examples of mountain cathedrals.
Located on the eastern stretch of the medieval city wall, the Ferreiros Tower was one of the most important defensive bastions of medieval Guarda. Now classified as a national monument, it served as a key stronghold for the city's protection.
Its interior housed three distinct doors to ensure the full security of the population — including a rare vertical guillotine-style gate, one of the few of its kind still found in Portugal. Combined with other hinged doors, this formed a double-locking defence system, still visible today in the external entrance.
The Jewish presence in Guarda has been documented since at least the 12th century. As in other towns and cities across Portugal, the Jewish population was recognised as a distinct community.
The judiaria (Jewish Quarter) was established within the city walls, strategically located near key thoroughfares such as Rua de São Vicente and the forecourt of the Church of São Vicente — areas known for significant economic activity, which enabled commerce and community life to thrive.
The main entrance to the Jewish Quarter was at Quatro Quinas, near Porta d’El-Rei. This positioning, close to the eastern gate of the medieval wall, limited the community’s access to the broader urban fabric and created a degree of separation from the rest of the city.
This irregular pentagonal keep tower was built in the late 13th century, originally accessed via a doorway on its second level, facing west.
êToday, it stands isolated on the highest point of Guarda’s Historic Centre — at 1,056 metres above sea level — but it was once part of a larger defensive complex known as the Alcáçova. This fortified area was enclosed by curtain walls and included several structures such as the governor’s residence, barracks and a cistern.
February / March – GuardaFolia (Carnival celebrations)
May – Iberian Tourism Fair (Feira Ibérica de Turismo)
June – International Symposium of Contemporary Art; Santos do Bairro
July – Festas do Senhor do Bonfim
August – Festas da Senhora do Mileu
June to October – Antiques & Collectors Market (1st Sunday of each month)
September – Feira Farta; Festas de São Vicente; Festas da Senhora dos Remédios
November / December – Guarda Cidade Natal (Guarda Christmas City)
Message from the Mayor
Carlos Chaves Monteiro
It was a proud moment for Guarda to become the official seat of the Beira Interior Regional Wine Commission, supporting its installation in one of the city’s most prestigious areas — the brand-new Solar dos Vinhos da Beira Interior, located in the heart of the Historical Centre.
Here, wines born of altitude have found their home in Portugal’s highest city. This fortunate alignment highlights not only the tourist potential of Guarda, but also our commitment to embracing and promoting this new initiative — the Beira Interior Wine Route.
Fully aware of the growing relevance of wine tourism and confident in the excellence of our region’s wines, I believe this project will serve as a key driver for tourism across our beloved Beira Interior.
Rich in diversity and dotted with unique places waiting to be explored, this Wine Route enhances the value of our territory. It brings new energy and synergies, especially when paired with the region’s natural and built heritage, traditional crafts, gastronomy, and the warm hospitality of our people.
It is both a personal and collective source of pride for Guarda to be part of the Beira Interior Wine Route. This initiative complements our UNESCO-recognised Estrela Geopark and our remarkable historical and cultural legacy — which is now at the heart of our bid to become European Capital of Culture in 2027, a candidacy deeply rooted in the territory and involving many of the municipalities that form part of this Route.
We are an extraordinary region, with a Route ready to be discovered.
The Beira Interior Wine Route — Guarda stands with it!
