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Places to See Centro de Portugal Visit Guarda
Places to See Centro de Portugal Visit Guarda | Visit Guarda |
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In
Portugal’s highest city, mountain air, pure and healthy, gently blows
through the mediaeval streets, their nobility and dark colour lent by
the granite. In the 14th century, Fernando, King of Portugal, spent time here recovering from a lung disease. Lofty, immense and imposing, its mighty towers rising up as a symbol of defending the faith and Portugal, the Cathedral leads the way to Guarda’s historic centre. If you are dazzled by the Gothic-inspired design and decoration of its exterior, waiting for you inside is the surprise of the overwhelming height of the naves and an enormous altarpiece carved in stone, a masterpiece created by the master mason, João de Ruão. Around this monument pulsates the heart of the city, protected by mediaeval battlements, gateways and towers that have survived almost intact to the present time. Stop for a coffee under the 16th century arcades of the main square adjacent to the Cathedral before exploring the narrow streets from which gargoyles peer, hanging over the edges, where Gothic windows are engraved and granite palaces stand to attention. Follow in the footsteps of our mediaeval ancestors, passing under the mighty arches of the mediaeval gateways and climb the towers to enjoy the extensive and magnificent views that stretch as far as Spain. Include in your stroll the Jewish quarter near the battlements, evocative of a Jewish community in the Middle Ages that left the marks of their religious symbols in the stone of their houses.  |
Contact Us:
00 351 913 591 282
or
00 351 282 417 463
(office hours)
00 351 913 591 282
or
00 351 282 417 463
(office hours)
| Capital (and largest city) |
Lisbon 38°46′N, 9°11′W |
|
| Official languages | Portuguese | |
|---|---|---|
| Recognised regional languages | Mirandese | |
| Demonym | Portuguese | |
| Government | Parliamentary republic | |
| - | President | Aníbal Cavaco Silva |
| - | Prime Minister | José Sócrates |
| Formation | June 24, 1128 | |
| - | Founding of the First County of Portugal | 868 |
| - | Battle of São Mamede | June 24, 1128 |
| - | Kingdom | 25 July 1139 |
| - | Recognized | 5 October 1143 |
| - | Republic | 5 October 1910 |
| - | Carnation Revolution | 25 April 1974 |
| EU accession | 1 January 1986 | |
| Area | ||
| - | Total | 92,345 km² (110th) 35,580 sq mi |
| - | Water (%) | 0.5 |
| Population | ||
| - | July 2007 estimate | 10,848,692 (75th) |
| - | 2001 census | 10,148,259 |
| - | Density | 114/km² (87th) 295/sq mi |
| GDP (PPP) | 2006 estimate | |
| - | Total | $229.881 billion (40th) |
| - | Per capita | $23,464 (2007) (34th) |
| HDI (2005) | ▼ 0.897 (high) (29th) | |
| Currency | Euro (€) (EUR) | |
| Time zone | WET | |
| - | Summer (DST) | WEST (UTC0) |
| Internet TLD | .pt | |
| Calling code | +351 | |