Guarda

In the northeast flank of the Serra da Estrela, the tallest mountain in the country, Guarda is Portugal's highest city, at 1056 meters (3320 feet). It was founded in 1197 to act mainly as a frontier guard (thus its name) and its appearance is rather austere.

From there you can drive to Manteigas, right in the heart of the Serra da Estrela, whose highest point rises to 1993 meters (6539 feet). This is also the district to take the border castles tour.

In its early history, Portugal had a vital need to defend itself from Spanish attacks. Thus several castles were built along the border from as early as the 13th century, but many were later rebuilt after being partially destroyed by sieges (Spanish and French). Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, Pinhel and Almeida are good examples of this part of Portugal's history. Another imposing and well preserved castle lies in Sabugal, while in Sortelha the 13th century castle, stony lanes and granite houses are enchanting.

In Trancoso, the old Judiaria (Jewish quarter), with its quaint houses, reminds us of the large Jewish population that lived there in medieval times. But in this district you can go way back to medieval times: in the environs of Vila Nova de Foz Côa you can see the world's largest collection of open air Stone Age engravings in the Archaeological Park of Côa Valley. The engravings, which depict horses, bulls, fish and a naked man, are estimated to be more than twenty thousand years old.
Because of its brisk and supposedly healthy air, Guarda has an extensive sanatorium.

Guarda’s Museum (Guarda)
This is a very modern museum, very well organised and composed by two floors.
On the first floor, visitors can appreciate the geographical and historical developments of this region through the several ages.
On the second floor, one can see the economical, social and cultural lives of Guarda, shown through costumes, tools, industrial arts, etc.. You can still see on this floor the section dedicated to sculptors and painters of the district.

The Jewry (Guarda)
This was, on ancient times, the world of the Jewish community in this region. The Jewry can still take to ancient Guarda, by observing modest and rural buildings.
Connected to the Jewry is the Poço do Gado quarter, also isolated from the town, not very long known as the harlot’s quarter.

Corgas de Matança Dolmen (Fornos de Algodres)
This polygonal chamber dolmen, composed by 9 props without corridor, is located at the Matança parish ad it’s properly signed.
Although no one knows the building date, it’s estimated that it remounts to the Neolithic.

Graves on the rock (Fornos de Algodres)
This municipality is distinctly rich in graves dug on the rocks. Until know, 68 graves were officially found, but is known that there were found a few more.
The graves are grouped in necropolis, isolated or in nucleus of two or three.