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Guarda: cathedral
Guarda: cathedral Cathedral of Guarda, Port.

Guarda

Portugal
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Guarda, city and concelho (municipality), north-central Portugal. Lying on the northeast side of the Estrela Mountains (Serra da Estrela) at an elevation of 3,465 feet (1,056 metres), it is Portugalā€™s highest city.

Founded in 1197, Guarda was given a royal charter by Sancho I and was to be a guard (whence its name) against Moorish invaders. The Gothic cathedral (built 1390ā€“1540) contrasts with the austere granite houses of the city. Other landmarks include the Blacksmithā€™s Tower and two gates (12thā€“13th century), the Mileu Chapel (11thā€“12th century), and a 12th-century castle. Its industries include leatherwork, metallurgy, and distilling. Although the city retains its traditional character, it has excellent transportation linksā€”east-west via road to Coimbra and Spain, respectively, and north-south skirting the Estrela Mountains. In addition, rail links extend eastward into Spain and in other directions. Pop. (2001) city, 26,061; mun., 43,822; (2011 est.) city, 25,300; (2011) mun., 42,541.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.
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