Old Town

The Beiras


A handsome quarter of cobblestone lanes and huddled houses, Guarda's hilltop centre fans out from Praça Luís de Camões. This sloping square is flanked by 16th- to 18th-century mansions and the town's dramatic cathedral. Plenty of medieval atmosphere survives in the narrow lanes to the north of the cathedral around Rua de São Vicente.

Of the old walls, towers and gates, the stalwart Torre dos Ferreiros is still in good condition, rising to the east of the cathedral. To the north, you'll find two surviving gates, Porta d’El Rei and Porta da Erva. A walk between these two gates takes you through the heart of Guarda’s historic judiaria (Jewish quarter). Sharp-eyed visitors will notice crosses and other symbols scratched into door frames: these identified the homes of marranos (Jews forced to convert to Christianity who continued to practice Judaism) during the dark days of the Inquisition.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby The Beiras attractions

1. Porta da Erva

0.06 MILES

One of several city gates, the Porta da Erva was constructed in the 13th century. It was originally known as the Estrela Gate.

2. Torre dos Ferreiros

0.09 MILES

A local landmark, this robust rectangular tower is one of the most visible features of the town's medieval defences. It was originally built to protect a…

3.

0.1 MILES

Powerful in its sobriety, this grey Gothic edifice looms heavily over the central square. The earliest parts of the cathedral date from 1390 but it's…

4. Porta d'El Rei

0.1 MILES

This arched gateway framed one of the original portals in Guarda's vast defensive walls. It connected the town with routes to Covilhã and Celorico, from…

5. Paço da Cultura

0.13 MILES

Adjacent to the Museu da Guarda, the Paço da Cultura stages temporary exhibitions in a suite of rooms off an 18th-century courtyard.

6. Museu da Guarda

0.14 MILES

Housed in the severe 17th-century Episcopal Seminary, Guarda's main museum showcases an eclectic collection of archaeological finds, artworks and early…

7. Torre de Menagem

0.23 MILES

This 14th-century tower, originally the keep of Guarda's castle, stands on the highest point in town. You can't go into the tower but even from the base…

8. Castelo de Linhares

10.2 MILES

Visible for miles around, Linhares' 13th-century castle is a formidable sight, with its two crenellated keeps and impregnable walls. Not a lot remains…

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