Accommodation

Guarda Casa da Lomba Casas do Mondego Local accommodation Tourism in the Country / Country Houses Address: Rua da Fonte de Cima, 3 63210-171 Lomba Address: Rua do Eiró, N.º86300-170 Porto da Carne Sabugal Telephone: +351 96 634 76 79 Telephone: +351 966 411 611 E-mail: [email protected] Website: E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.casasdomondego.com http://www.casadalomba.com Characteristics and Services: Timetable: Number of beds: 12; Number of rooms: 6; Television room; 24H; Number of detached houses: 1 T1; 1 T2; 1 T3; Central heating; Characteristics and Services: Internet Access; Reserved area for non-smokers; Garden; Central heating; Number of beds: 6; Number of rooms: 3; Access: Internet Access; Swimming-pool; Kitchen; Breakfast; Outdoor parking; Buses; Access: Room facilities: Outdoor parking; Bike friendly; Heating in room; Television in room; Hair dryer in room; Internet Room facilities: access in room; Television in room; Internet access in room; Heating in room; Payments: Payments: Guiding price: $$$ (60€ - 90€); "All inclusive" rates; Guiding price: $$ (30€ - 60€); Accessibility: Accessibility: Disabled access; Accessible route to the entrance: Total; Accessible route to the entrance: Total; Accessible entrance: Accessible entrance: Total; Reception area suitable for people Total; Accessible circulation inside: Total; Accessible with special needs; Accessible circulation inside: Total; areas/services: Bedrooms; Accessible areas/services: Bedrooms;

Hotel Lusitânia Congress & Spa The Mondego Houses are located in the River Mondego valley, in Hotel accommodation / Hotel / **** the historical centre of the village of Porto da Carne, in the borough of Guarda, and close to the river of the same name. Address: Quinta das Covas, Lote 34 6300-389 Guarda Telephone: +351 271 238 285 Fax: +351 271 230 214 The Mondego Houses are made up of three country cottages and E-mail: [email protected] Website: a reception, being accessed through the Pátio dos Cubos http://www.hotellusitaniaparque.com courtyard. Common to all of them is the Pátio das Oliveiras courtyard, in which, besides benefitting from the shade of the Characteristics and Services: olive trees, one may enjoy the tranquillity of the environment Number of beds: 132; Number of rooms: 56; Number of suites: 7; and the always pleasant singing of the birds.

The use of the colours and names of each house was intended to Hotel Santos provide the visitor to relate these to each corresponding Hotel accommodation / Hotel / *** agricultural activity or product that is predominant in this region: Address: Rua Tenente Valadim, nº 14 6300-764 Guarda - Olive Tree House: olive oil, olive harvest Telephone: +351 271 205 400 Fax: +351 271 212 931 E-mail: [email protected] Website: - Grapevine House: wine, grape harvest http://www.residencialsantos.com - Mondego House: game, contact with nature, honey, bee- Characteristics and Services: keeping Central heating; Bar; Television room; Number of beds: 43; Number of rooms: 24; Internet Access; Reserved area for non- On the Mondego Valley river beach, a few metres away, there is smokers; Air conditioning; Reserved area for smokers; Target a protected area that may be used by the occupants of the price: $$ (30€ - 60€); houses, thus providing full enjoyment of the surrounding nature. Access: Outdoor parking; Buses; Train stations; Room facilities: Hotel Pombeira Air conditioning in room; Telephone in room; Steel safe in room; Hotel accommodation / Hotel / *** Television in room; Hair dryer in room; Internet access in room; Address: Rua da Pombeira - Arrifana6300-035 Guarda Mini-bar in room; Heating in room; Rooms available for smokers; Accessibility: Telephone: +351 271225046 Disabled access; Facilities for disabled; Disabled access; E-mail: [email protected] Website:

2013 Turismo de Portugal. All rights reserved. 1/22 [email protected] Payments: http://www.pombeirahotel.com Credit cards accepted; Timetable: Characteristics and Services: Breakfast timetable: 07h45 - 10h30; Room service timetable: 24 Number of beds: 48; Number of rooms: 23; Number of suites : 1; h;

Hotel Vanguarda Parque de Campismo da Guarda Hotel accommodation / Hotel / *** Camping / Public Address: Avenida Monsenhor Mendes do Carmo Address: Avenida do Estádio Municipal - 6300 - 705 6300-586 Guarda GUARDA Telephone: +351 271 208 390 Fax: +351 271 208 398 Telephone: 271 221 200 Fax: 271 210 025 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.hotelvanguarda.com.pt Characteristics and Services: Bathing facilities; Hot water showers; Sinks; Washtubs; Other informations: Restaurant; Bar; Registration No.: 660; A friendly campsite situated at 3.000 ft. of altitude with a Characteristics and Services: beautiful panoramic view. This site is 50 km from the border of Central heating; Currency exchange; Bar; Restaurant; Television Vilar Formoso, which is one of the most popular entry places into room; Games room; Number of beds: 164; Number of rooms: 70; Portugal. Campsite covered with small trees and unlevelled Number of suites: 6; Internet Access; Reserved area for non- ground which has some levelled areas for caravans. smokers; Air conditioning; Target price: $$$ (60€ - 90€); The town of Guarda has a number of old houses which you can Access: visit. It is also a good starting point for other visits such as Outdoor parking; Buses; Covered garage; Manteigas, Seia and Covilhã. Room facilities: Air conditioning in room; Telephone in room; Steel safe in room; Pousada de Juventude da Guarda Television in room; Hair dryer in room; Internet access in room; Mini-bar in room; Heating in room; Youth Hostels Accessibility: Address: Av. Alexandre Herculano, Edifício do IPJ Disabled access; Facilities for disabled; Disabled access; 6300-659 Guarda Payments: Telephone: +351 271 224 482 Fax: +351 271 224 482 Credit cards accepted; Travellers Cheques accepted; E-mail: [email protected] Website: Timetable: http://www.pousadasjuventude.pt Breakfast timetable: 07h30-10h30; Room service timetable: 08h00-24h00; Timetable and reservations: Situated in the center Guarda near the Serra da Estrela, the 08h00 - 12h00 / 18h00 - 24h00; Region of Dão Wine and Cheese demarcated region of Serra and Characteristics and Services: 45 km from the border with Spain direct links to the A23 and A25 Youth Hostel Card; Number of beds: 56; Double rooms: 6; Shared from the Centre or the Northern Each country with 82 modern rooms: 10; Television room; rooms and suites also has restaurant and bar panoramic and Access: Multipurpose Rooms. Outdoor parking; Payments: Credit cards accepted; Parque de Campismo Rossio de Valhelhas Guarda, the high city built in granite, might remind you of a Camping / Public bride, all dressed in white snow in the winter months. Address: E. N. 232 - 6300 - 235 VALHELHAS Telephone: 275487160 Fax: 275487372 If you stay at the Youth Hostel in Guarda, you'll definitely fall in love with this town. The monuments and the quiet mountain E-mail: [email protected] villages tell the tale of their own history. Characteristics and Services: On the outskirts of the Serra da Estrela mountain range, the Caravan instalations; Tents instalations; Natural shadows; steep slopes invite you to accept nature's challenge and go Bathing facilities; Hot water showers; Cold water showers; Sinks; hiking or rock-climbing. Hiking is definitely the thing to do Washtubs; Ironing-boards; Snack Bar; Games room; Swimming- around here, since it is the best way to get to the places that are pool; Grass ground; more out-of-the-way. The camping site is located in a very pleasant valley, surrounded by refreshing poplar-trees, willows and green hills and it is But if you're looking for some fun, Spain is right next-door, with marshed by the river Zêzere. villages like Ciudad Rodrigo and cities like Salamanca. That's The Valhelhas camping site is the ideal place for those who look right, the country next door is worth visiting, too. for resting among nature. The camping site is 22 Km away from Guarda and 30 Km away from the highest point of Serra da Estrela (Torre). Solar de Alarcão Tourism in a Manor House Quinta do Pinheiro Address: Rua de D. Miguel de Alarcão, 25 - 27 6300 - 684 Guarda Tourism in the Country / Agricultural Tourism Telephone: +351 271 214 392 Fax: +351 271 214 392 Address: Cavadoude - Guarda6300 - 080 Cavadoude E-mail: [email protected] Telephone: 271926162 Fax: 271926828 E-mail: [email protected] Website:

2013 Turismo de Portugal. All rights reserved. 2/22 [email protected] Other informations: http://www.quintadopinheiro.com Registration No.: 372; Characteristics and Services: Characteristics and Services: Games room; Number of beds: 10; Number of rooms: 3; Double Games room; Swimming-pool; Number of beds: 12; Number of rooms with toilet: 3; Rooms in the main house: 3; rooms: 6; Double rooms with toilet: 6; Rooms in the main house: Situated right in the historical centre of Guarda, this magnificent 3; Rooms in the adjacent building: 3; manor house built of granite dates back to 1686. It has a vast The Quinta do Pinheiro is a medium size farm, situated in the tiled yard leading to the chapel and steps. In the garden there is Mondego river valley, near the town of Guarda. The farm a belvedere with a nice view. facilities include a manor house built in the 17th century and which was recently recovered according to the style and the conservation rules in force in this region for the rural heritage. Turismo Rural Macieira Brava Situated near the edge of the Natural Park of Serra da Estrela Tourism in the Country / Country and with a mild climate and climate and typical landscape of Houses granite rocks, Address: Quinta da Morena, s/nºPortela, Corujeira, the farm represents today, due to a plan of recovery and 6300-090 Guarda improvement of the agricultural practises, led by its present E-mail: [email protected] owner, a good example for all those who, in a similar situation, still believe that the portuguese agriculture can meet the Characteristics and Services: challenges and the difficulties it has to face nowadys. In order to Games room; Number of beds: 6; Number of rooms: 2; Double take profit of the heavy investments he had to do during the last rooms with toilet : 1; Rooms in the main house: 3; Television years, the owner decided to promote in his farm the rural room; Central heating; Number of suites : 1; Double rooms tourism activity. without toilet: 2; Reserved area for non-smokers; Reserved area All this wealthy historical heritage reinforces the tourism for smokers; Pets allowed; Rooms available for smokers; vocation of Quinta do Pinheiro, opening new perspectives to Access: other initiatives in this sector of activity. Outdoor parking; Room facilities: Heating in room; Solares de Portugal - Quinta da Ponte Payments: Tourism in a Manor House Guiding price: $$$ (60€ - 90€); Address: Faia 6300-095 Guarda Accessibility: Telephone: +351 258 931 750 Fax: +351 258 741 444 Disabled access; E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected] Website: http://www.center.pt

Access: Outdoor parking; Characteristics and Services: Games room; Number of rooms: 2; Swimming-pool; Number of apartments: 5 T0; Situated in the Natural Park of the Serra da Estrela by a Roman bridge over the river Mondego, this 18th Century manor house has a box garden laid out in 1740 according to the design of a french architect.

Centro de Portugal

Guarda Organizações Escape Livre Wildlife Portugal Address: Rua Marquês do Pombal, 45 - 1º e 2º6300-728 Address: Rua Bento Menni, 126300-520 Guarda Guarda Telephone: +351 966 314 429 Telephone: +351 271 205 286 Fax: +351 271 205 289 E-mail: [email protected] Website: E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.wildlifeportugal.pt http://www.escapelivre.com Other informations: Activities: We also do nature photo-tours Off-roading; Activities: Walking; Nature watching; Birdwatching; Observation of geology; Mountain Climbing; Trekking;

Wildlife Portugal is a registered trademark, created by Fernando Romão, who gives face to the activities developed in the nature tourism and nature and wildlife photography areas. Operating in Portugal, Wildlife Portugal organizes specific programs for the observation and interpretation of nature (bird watching, for example), hiking, photographic tours and wildlife photography - in particular through photographic hides.

In this sense, Wildlife Portugal has created and is managing a set of photographic hides for wildlife in the Faia Brava Reserve, a private protected area with which it has a cooperation agreement.

Wildlife Portugal also has the support and backing of Rewilding Europe, a European foundation whose mission is to create more spaces for wildlife and promote nature tourism in these natural areas.

The Wildlife Portugal is also recognized for nature tourism, as most of its activities take place almost exclusively in the National Network of Protected Areas, particularly in the natural parks of Serra da Estrela, Douro Internacional, Tejo internacional, Alvão, the Área Protegida Privada da Faia Brava, the Monumento Natural das Portas de Ródão, in the Paisagem Protegida da Serra do Açor.

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Guarda Termas de Longroiva Address: Lugar do Rossio 6430-071 Longroiva / Guarda Telephone: +351 279 849 230 Fax: +351 279 849 235 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.termasdelongroiva.com.pt Timetable: From Monday to Friday: 8am - 12pm / 4pm - 8pm; Saturday: 8am - 2pm; Bathing Season: From May to November; Characteristics and Services: Water type: Sulphurous, bicarbonated, sodic ; pH level: 8,79; Water temperature: 46º; Accommodation facilities available; Restaurant; Accessibility: Disabled access;

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Guarda Praia fluvial de Aldeia Viçosa Praia fluvial de Valhelhas Address: Aldeia Viçosa - Guarda Address: Valhelhas - Guarda

Characteristics and Services: Characteristics and Services: Outdoor parking; Bar; Security or Surveillance; EEC Blue Flag; Outdoor parking; Bar; Security or Surveillance; EEC Blue Flag; Showers; Showers; Accessibility: Accessibility: Accessible beach; Accessible beach;

In an idyllic setting, Aldeia Viçosa River Beach was named after Right in the middle of the Serra da Estrela Natural Park, the small neighbouring village. Located in a valley formed by the Valhelhas River Beach takes advantage of the River Zêzere in an River Mondego, this beach has excellent conditions and is a area of great landscape beauty. This beach is a leisure complex much appreciated leisure area, bathed by the crystal clear endowed with excellent support amenities, offering good waters of this river that springs not far away in Serra da Estrela. conditions for enjoying moments of leisure and relaxation in the river’s cool waters.

On summer weekends, nights are sometimes enlivened by musical concerts which attract a lot of people to this natural setting.

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Guarda 11º Festival One Man Band Ensemble Sonido Extremo Music Telephone: 271205241 Contacts Music Teatro Municipal da Guarda e Centro de Artes do Espetáculo de Contacts Portalegre Teatro Municipal da Guarda Website: https://www.tmg.com.pt/ http://caeportalegre.b E-mail: [email protected] Website: logspot.com/2021/08/8-e-9-out-11-festival-one-man- https://www.tmg.com.pt/comprarBilhete band.html Start Date: 2021-10-13 End Date: 2021-10-13 Start Date: 2021-09-29 End Date: 2021-10-09

Timetable: Timetable: 9:30 PM and 10:00 PM; 9:30 PM; In 2021 the Festival One Man Band celebrates the 11th edition The Ensemble Sonido Extremo is a group of musicians and to mark more than a decade of great concerts, the entire committed to the dissemination of culture and art through music. poster is entirely dedicated to Portuguese projects. A program The group defines its activity from the reflection on the multiple that is present in Portalegre and Guarda, to show the best that is languages of the musical feat that coexist in our time. His done in our country. On September 29th and 30th at the Café concerns also focus on this plurality, and the combination of Concerto, Teatro Municipal da Guarda. Finally, on October 8 and languages from different eras around concepts or ideas that 9 in Portalegre at the Arts Center of the Show of Portalegre at unite the works, proposing an itinerary of listening. They made 21:30. Concerts of national artists to see and meet. the absolute debut of more than 60 works, many of them thanks to the support of the CNDM and the Badajoz Philharmonic Society. His concert proposals have occurred mainly in cycles of Tagua Tagua dissemination and promotion of contemporary music, but also Telephone: 271205241 propose musical combinations, in which the current repertoire Music integrates with the repertoire of past times. Contacts Teatro Municipal da Guarda E-mail: [email protected] Website: https://www.tmg.com.pt/comprarBilhete Start Date: 2021-10-20 End Date: 2021-10-20

Timetable: 9:30 PM; Felipe Puperi is a Brazilian musician and producer based in São Paulo who is known for being part of the band Wannabe Jalva. With her, he played at festivals such as Lollapalooza, Meca, Planeta Atlântida and shared the stage with names ranging from Jack White to Pearl Jam. It was at the end of 2017 that Tagua Tagua came to life, a solo project by Felipe Puperi, which evokes more traditional sounds of Brazilian popular music and traditional samba, with pinches of current and universal sounds. He sings in Portuguese and explores various elements of Brazilian music and associates them with electronic music, soul, and rock.

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Guarda Capela de Nossa Senhora do Mileu - Guarda Igreja da Misericórdia da Guarda Address: Póvoa do Mileu - Guarda Address: Largo Dr. João de Almeida 6300-695 Guarda

Located beyond the city walls, and somewhat set away from the Although modest, this is the most important example of Baroque urban centre, the Chapel of Mileu is one of Guarda´s oldest architecture in the city with its contours and carved stone monuments. There is no certainty as to its exact origins but the highlighted by the contrast between the granite stone and the chapel is believed to have been a Christian place of worship whitewashed walls. From an 18th century perspective, the during Moorish times, hence, pre-12th century. church represented the definitive advance of the city beyond its medieval walls. The origins of the chapel´s name have also still to be determined even if it is known the expression in French meant a kind of Artistically, it reflects a Baroque style characteristic of the medieval cloth. There are late 13th century references to the region. Construction involved many stonemasons and masters Nossa Senhora de Mileu festival and this gained in popularity from the North, particularly the Minho region, and this from the 15th century onwards as it was on one of the contributed to a sharp break with styles found across the rest of pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela. the city. While the architect has never been determined, it is known that king João V ordered the construction. His coat-of- The robust building is characteristic of Romanesque churches arms is to be found above the entranceway. High up, in a niche and modest in proportions. There are some interesting artistic in the façade, there is the church´s patron saint, Our Lady of finishes to the interior including the cobel work to the lateral Mercy. facades and the columns (bases and capitals) featuring expressive medieval imagery (foliage, human and fantasy). Inside, there is a single nave with Baroque style altars with the one in the main chapel impressively large and imposing. Igreja de São Vicente - Guarda Address: Rua Direita 6300 Guarda Museu da Guarda Accessibility: Address: Rua General Alves Roçadas 6300-663 Guarda Disabled access; Accessible entrance: Partial; Accessible Telephone: +351 271 213 460 Fax: +351 271 223 221 circulation inside: Total; E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.patrimoni Located on Rua Direita, one of the main city thoroughfares ocultural.gov.pt/pt/museus-e-monumentos/rede- connecting two of the gateways, the Porta d´El Rei and the Porta portuguesa/m/museu-da-guarda/ da Erva, the current Church of São Vicente (St. Vincent), although founded in medieval times, is the fruit of 18th century Timetable: rebuilding that began in 1790, on the orders of Jerónimo Rogado 10am - 12.30pm / 2pm - 5.30pm (Tuesday to Sunday) Closed: de Carvalhal e Silva, bishop of Guarda between 1772 and 1797. Monday, 1 January, Easter Sunday, 1 May and 25 December; he plans were the work of Italian trained António Fernandes Characteristics and Services: Rodrigues who became Casa Pia professor of design in 1781. Shops; Guided Tours;

Inside the church, with its single nave, highlight goes to the iconographic panels of tiles, attributed to Coimbra artist Sousa Carvalho. The panels depict themes fundamental to Christian Torre dos Ferreiros doctrine, featuring the Annunciation, the Tower of David, the Address: Gaveto da Rua da Torre com a Rua Tenente Visitation, the Adoration of the Magis, the Escape to Egypt and Valadim the Passion of Christ. The main chapel, symbolically facing to the East, was built on a higher level than the nave, with stairs The Torre dos Ferreiros, classified as a national monument, bridging the distance. This, in addition to the illumination chosen, represent details characteristic of the Baroque. reflects advances in medieval defensive techniques, with a

Sé Catedral da Guarda portcullis and curved entrance passage. Address: Praça Luís de Camões 6300-725 Guarda Telephone: +351 271 212 993

Timetable: Summer (June / September): 10am – 1.30pm / 3pm – 6.30pm;

One of the most interesting Portuguese monuments.

Although Guarda has been the seat of bishopric since its foundation, when D. Sancho I asked Pope Innocent III to transfer the diocese of Egitânia (Idanha-a-Velha) to the new city, the building that is presently in the centre of the village was built from 1390, by initiative of D. João I, to replace the old cathedrals that had been erected outside the walls. Construction was slow, ending only in 1517, during the reign of D. João III and the bishopric of D. Jorge de Melo.

Normally this cathedral would be considered Late Gothic style, with Manueline influences from the shipyard of Batalha Monastery. Its exterior sobriety is accentuated by the heavy octagonal towers which give it the appearance of church- fortress, typical of a time when the great Portuguese cathedrals also represented an affirmation of nationality. This sobriety is perforated by beautiful decoration of the portals - Gothic in the main and Renaissance on the side. Here some of the era’s most renowned artists worked: Huguet, Diogo de Boitaca, Marcos Pires and Pedro and Filipe Henriques, offspring of Mateus Fernandes.

The floor-plan follows medieval typology, in a Latin cross with three naves (the central one is the tallest), a wide transept and a sanctuary with three communicating chapels. Inside, the great altarpiece of the chancel, carved in stone from Ançã, is worthy of note. Accompanying the semicircular form of the apse, it develops over four hierarchical records: the first, the Apostles; the second, Moses, Ezekiel, Elijah and Daniel, the Annunciation and the Nativity; the third, the Virgin of the Assumption; and, finally, scenes of the Passion of Christ. It is a work of Renaissance art, comprising over one hundred sculpted figures, produced in the workshop of João de Ruão, showing an acceptance of Mannerism that characterises the work of this sculptor from thereon in. It was commissioned by Bishop D. Cristóvão de Castro, Lord of Monsanto and chief lieutenant of Covilhã. A humanist, he was the ambassador of D. Manuel I in Rome, at the court of Pope Alexander VI, where he discovered the new artistic styles he wanted to apply in his bishopric.

Centro de Portugal

Guarda Visiting Guarda

Other informations: Visiting Guarda; How about beginning your tour on Rua Infante D. Henrique in front of the Tourism Office. Cross the José Lemos garden, the former medieval Rossio, where fairs were once held. On the left, there is the imposing granite structure of the Convent of São Francisco (St. Francis), founded in the 13th century and currently the District Archive.

Continue along Rua Camilo Castelo Branco. At the end, the Tower of Ferreiros defines the entry into the old medieval walls that contain the city´s historic centre. Turn left along the road that was home to the Cathedral´s clergy and where there remain some of the original houses with their ogival entranceways.

Continuing, on Rua D. Miguel Alarcão, there is the Cathedral, Guarda´s most impressive monument. On the left, heading up the street, the Keep is all that remains of the Castle that used to protect the centre.

Returning to the Cathedral, there is the broad Praça Luís de Camões, the heart of the city since the 12th century. Here, among other aspects, there is an interesting 17th century arcade built for the Paços do Concelho (City Hall).

Leave the square down Rua Francisco de Passos, formerly Rua Direita, the main thoroughfare cutting across the area between the city walls, forming a cross with Rua de São Vicente that connects the two gates Porta d´El Rei and the Porta da Erva.

At the crossroads, there is the Church of São Vicente on the site of the former market. After dropping in on this Baroque church, continue along Rua de São Vicente, before turning into Rua do Amparo, where the medieval Jewish quarter is to be found. Squeezed up against the wall, Guarda was home to a prosperous Jewish community through to the 15th century. This neighbourhood was designated to them by king Pedro I (1357-67).

Moving along, the road joins Rua Francisco Passos and the Largo do Torreão, a pleasantly landscaped square. At the end, in the Largo do Paço do Biu, there is what is usually known as the House of D. Sancho, with its 16th century contours. Crossing the Porta da Erva, head right down Rua Dr. Lopo de Carvalho where there is the Church of Misericórdia. From here, turn left along Rua Marquês de Pombal before ending your walk with a visit to the Museum of Guarda and an opportunity to learn a little more about the city´s rich history.

Images: Courtesy of Câmara Municipal da Guarda

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Belmonte UNESCO Global Estrela Geopark E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.geoparkestrela.pt/ Contacts Associação Geopark Estrela Av. Dr. Francisco Sá Carneiro, 50 6300-559 Guarda Tel.: +351 963 629 179 Characteristics and Services: Signposted routes; Park area: 2.216 kms2 ; Altitude: máx: 1993 mts; Guided Tours;

Occupying an extensive area of 2,216 km2 in the centre of Portugal, the UNESCO Global Estrela Geopark covers all or part of the nine municipalities that are structured around the Serra da Estrela - Belmonte, Celorico da Beira, Covilhã, Fornos de Algodres, Gouveia, Guarda, Manteigas, Oliveira do Hospital and Seia. Here, one finds a diversified landscape, result of multiple geological transformations, climatic contrasts, as well as of the ancient human occupation, whose first records date back to the beginning of the IV millennium BC.

This geopark is a reference at international level in the context of the Southwest Europe, showing the most important and impacting forms and glacial deposits in Portugal. Its geological history began at the bottom of an ancient ocean and culminated with the rise of the Estrela, presenting as the main rocks the granites and metasedimentary formations with more than 650 million years.

This is a unique place, with breath-taking landscapes, which includes the highest mountain in mainland Portugal, which summit - the "Torre" (Tower) - reaches 1993 metres in altitude. Here you will find an Interpretation Centre that provides information about the geopark, suggesting several pedestrian and cycling paths, many of them originating from the trails walked for centuries by shepherds. This is the best option to discover the enigmatic shapes shaped by the whims of nature, the valleys once occupied by ancient glaciers, the plateaus carved by the most important rivers in Portugal or the villages perched on the landscape, where you can breathe the aromas of this imposing and overwhelming mountain range.

With approximately 150 000 inhabitants, the territory of the Estrela Geopark is much more than geology. This mountain range has witnessed a long cultural evolution, marked by the adaptation of communities to an adverse geography and where, for millennia, human beings have lived in a close relationship with the mountain and what it offers them. Economic activities and human occupation have shaped the mountain, forming a mosaic of cultural landscapes that enrich the Estrela.

Centro de Portugal

Guarda Europcar / Salitur - Guarda Address: Av. Cidade Salamanca 84-A 6300-538 Guarda Telephone: +351 271 231 320 Fax: +351 271 237 318 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.europcar.pt

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Guarda A Mexicana Belo Horizonte Address: Avenida Monsenhor Mendes do Carmo, 7 Address: Largo de São Vicente, 2 6300-601 Guarda 6300-586 Guarda Telephone: +351 271 211 454 Fax: +351 271 230 214 Telephone: +351 271 211 512 Website: http://www.restaurantebelohorizonte.pt E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.restauranteamexicana.com Timetable and reservations: Timetable and reservations: Reservations:: Recommended; 10am - 10.30pm Closed on Reservations:: Recommended; Closed: Wednesday; Monday; Payments: Payments: Credit cards accepted; Target price: $$ (10€ - 20€); Credit cards accepted; Target price: $$ (10€ - 20€); Characteristics and Services: Characteristics and Services: Air conditioning; Capacity: 210; Outdoor parking; Air conditioning; Capacity: 57; Outdoor parking; Panoramic View; Reserved area for non-smokers; Reserved area for smokers; Accessibility: Disabled access; Disabled access; Colmeia Address: Estrada dos Galegos 6300-653 Guarda Telephone: +351 271 213 389 Don Garfo E-mail: [email protected] Website: Address: Bairro 25 de Abril, 10 6300-774 Guarda http://www.restaurante-colmeia.com Telephone: +351 271 211 077 Timetable and reservations: E-mail: [email protected] Website: Reservations:: Recommended; 12pm - 3pm / 7pm – 10pm Closed http://www.dongarfo.net on Sunday; Payments: Timetable and reservations: Credit cards accepted; Travellers Cheques accepted; Target 12.30pm - 3pm / 7.30pm - 11pm; price: $$$ (20€ - 30€); Characteristics and Services: Characteristics and Services: Air conditioning; Capacity: 74; Air conditioning; Capacity: 90; Outdoor parking; Reserved area Payments: for non-smokers; Target price: $$$ (20€ - 30€); Accessibility: Disabled access; Disabled access; O Ferrinho Address: Rua Dr. Francisco de Passos, 21/23 6300-558 Marisqueira O Caçador Guarda Address: Rua Batalha Reis, 121 6300-668 Guarda Telephone: +351 271 211 990 Fax: +351 271 223 399 Telephone: +351 271 211 702 E-mail: [email protected] Website: Timetable and reservations: http://www.restauranteocacador.com Reservations:: Recommended; 12pm - 3.30pm / 7.30pm - 10pm Closed: Sunday ; Timetable and reservations: Payments: Reservations:: Recommended; Credit cards accepted; Target price: $$$ (20€ - 30€); Payments: Characteristics and Services: Credit cards accepted; Target price: $$ (10€ - 20€); Capacity: 70; Characteristics and Services: Outdoor section; Air conditioning; Capacity: 89; Reserved area for non-smokers; Reserved area for smokers; Restaurante do Hotel Vanguarda Address: Av. Monsenhor Mendes Belo 6300-586 Guarda Restaurante do Hotel Lusitânia Parque Telephone: +351 271 208 390 Address: Urb. Quinta das Covas 6300-389 Guarda E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.hotelvanguarda.com.pt Telephone: +351 271 238 285 E-mail: [email protected] Website: Timetable and reservations: http://www.hotellusitaniaparque.com 12.30pm - 3pm - 7.30pm - 10pm; Characteristics and Services: Payments: Air conditioning; Capacity: 200; Outdoor parking;

2013 Turismo de Portugal. All rights reserved. 13/22 [email protected] Credit cards accepted; Target price: $$ (10€ - 20€); Soadro Zêzere Characteristics and Services: Outdoor parking; Address: Rua Dr. Álvaro de Castro,1 6300-235 Valhelhas Telephone: +351 275 487 114 Fax: +351 275 487 119 Restaurante Farta E-mail: [email protected] Website: Address: Largo do Município 6300-680 Guarda http://www.soadro.com Telephone: +351 271 223 366 Timetable and reservations: E-mail: [email protected] Website: Reservations:: Recommended; 12.30pm - 3pm / 7.30pm - 11pm http://www.hturismoguarda.com Closed: Tuesday; Timetable and reservations: Payments: Reservations:: Recommended; Credit cards accepted; Target price: $$ (10€ - 20€); Payments: Characteristics and Services: Credit cards accepted; Target price: $$ (10€ - 20€); Air conditioning; Capacity: 60; Outdoor parking; Panoramic View; Characteristics and Services: Reserved area for non-smokers; Air conditioning; Capacity: 200; Accessibility: Disabled access; Disabled access;

Vallécula Address: Praça Dr. José de Castro, 1 - Valhelhas - 6300-235 Guarda Telephone: +351 275 487 123

Timetable and reservations: Reservations:: Recommended; 12.30pm - 3pm / 7.30pm – 10pm Closed on Monday ; Payments: Credit cards accepted; Target price: $$$ (20€ - 30€); Characteristics and Services: Outdoor section; Air conditioning; Capacity: 35; Outdoor parking; Reserved area for smokers; Accessibility: Disabled access; Disabled access;

Centro de Portugal

Celorico da Beira 3 days on Serra da Estrela

At the top of Portugal

This 3-day tour across the Serra da Estrela mountain range starts at Seia with a morning devoted to children.

First, an educational, fun visit to the Toy Museum to see toys from all eras, and in all shapes and sizes. Then, at the Bread Museum, the little ones will enjoy learning how to knead bread dough and make biscuits which they can take home with them. And, if it is time for lunch, this is the right place for a family meal to appreciate the flavours of the regional cuisine. Before leaving Seia, you must stop at the Information Centre to learn about trails and activities in the Natural Park.

To reach Torre, mainland Portugal’s highest point, you can choose a more mountainous road running through Sabugueiro and Lagoa Comprida, or an alternative one that leads you through a number of mountain villages such as Lapa dos Dinheiros, Sazes da Beira and Valezim. A detour is necessary to get to Loriga and Alvoco da Serra, but it’s well worth it for the fabulous views over this glacier mountain. As regards accommodation, Tourism in the Country is the right choice, since it allows you to fully appreciate this bucolic environment and the hospitality of its people.

The ski resort is located at Torre, and the Covões do Meio and Ferro Lagoons, with their beautiful landscapes to admire, are situated nearby. For yet more breathtaking scenery, we suggest a detour to Penhas da Saúde, and if time permits, you can go down to Covilhã to visit the Wool Museum devoted to the region’s main economic activity, fed by its huge flocks of sheep. The faithful sheep dogs that herd them belong to an indigenous breed bearing the name of the Mountain, and their cubs will delight the little ones.

Back on the Mountain road, you can carry on to Manteigas. The Skiparque is located here, offering a wide variety of radical sports and an artificial snow piste where you can ski or snowboard at any time of the year.

The last day of this tour starts with a visit to Folgosinho castle to admire the view over the Mondego valley, followed by another castle at Linhares da Beira. On clear days, the skies over this well-preserved historical village are enlivened by the colourful spots of the paragliders who find ideal flying conditions here. Anyone game for it can experience this sensation; all you have to do is book a lesson at the local School.

You can then continue to Celorico da Beira to visit yet another castle, as well as the Solar do Queijo (Cheese Manor House), where you can taste and buy the most appreciated product in the region; the tour will end in Guarda, the highest city in the country.

This suggestion of a journey that goes through the municipalities of Seia, Covilhã, Manteigas, Celorico and Guarda may be a way to get to know a little of the Estrela Geopark, which UNESCO

Guarda Guarda – Accessible Tour Serra da Estrela

In Guarda, the highest city of Portugal, the air you In summer or winter, mainland Portugal’s highest breathe is healthy and light, typical of the mountain mountain is the perfect scenery for a few relaxing days in range where it is located - Serra da Estrela, the largest contact with nature. protected area in Portugal. At 1,993 metres at its highest point in Torre, Serra da Estrela is It is also from this serra that the granite which predominates in an area of rare landscape beauty, with striking mountain drops, the buildings of the historic centre and on the road surfaces, where you can have a deep experience of the silence of the whose good state of repair mean that getting around is stable heights. Take advantage of those moments of communion with and comfortable. However, since this is a mountainous area, the nature to observe it, discovering the diversity of plants and birds natural slope of the terrain can create difficulties for moving and the flocks of sheep herded by Estrela dogs from the breed around in some places. named after the Mountain.

Download the map and follow the tour You can also follow the course of some major Portuguese rivers from their sources: the Mondego at Mondeguinho, the We propose you start your visit in the important centre that Zêzere at Covão de Ametade and the Alva at the Rossim Valley dates back to the Middle Ages, when Guarda was completely are breathtaking places. Or you can admire glacier valleys at surrounded by walls, interrupted at strategic places by entrances Loriga, Manteigas or Covão do Urso and Covão Grande. In the which gave access to the main roads of the region. Examples of warmest months, the best suggestion will certainly be the 25 this are the entrances Porta da Erva (4), also known as the Lagoon Itinerary, leading you to some refreshing locations. Porta da Estrela, and the Porta d'El Rei (1) an ogive arch in Gothic style. In this area, near the Rua and Largo de São Vicente In cold weather, Serra da Estrela is the only place in Portugal is the old Judiaria (Jewish Quarter) (2), a core of narrow where you can try ski, or go sledging, snowboarding or ride a streets with houses that retain their original architecture and snowmobile. There are several pistes with support infrastructure, where you can find symbols engraved in the stone. Another as well as synthetic snow pistes for skiing at any time of the place to visit is the Igreja de São Vicente (Church of São year. Vicente) (3), which dates from the 13th century, but was rebuilt in the Baroque period. Its spacious interior can be entered This natural park is excellent for trekking, horse-riding or through a level entrance on the right-hand side. mountain biking. It boasts some 375km of marked trails of varying degrees of difficulty, so you’ll no doubt find one fitting your physical condition. And who has not dreamed of flying like a bird? You can experience the sensation para-gliding in Linhares da Beira, soaring over this historical village - which you shouldn’t miss exploring on foot either.

To recharge batteries, you must taste the most famous product in the region - the Serra da Estrela cheese. With its buttery texture, it goes ideally with traditional bread. It can be tasted all over the region, but in the Solar do Queijo (Cheese Manor House), in Celorico da Beira, the tasting will be accompanied by an explanation about the manufacturing process. In Seia, it is bread, however, that has museum status, and in Covilhã, woollens. The most popular roads to cross the Mountain link these two cities and will take you to mountain villages such as Guarda – Rua do Amparo © Pedro Sousa|Amatar Sabugueiro, Alvoco da Serra and Loriga, and to many other unmissable places: Penhas Douradas, Penhas da Saúde or Torre, The Praça Luís de Camões (5), also known as the Old Square is at the summit of the Mountain. the city's main public area. Among the buildings that surround it are stately homes that belonged to wealthy families, such as the The diverse landscape of the nine municipalities that make up Solar dos Póvoas, the former Town Hall with arcades on the Serra da Estrela - Belmonte, Celorico da Beira, Covilhã, Fornos de ground floor, and especially the imposing Catedral (cathedral) Algodres, Gouveia, Guarda, Manteigas, Oliveira do Hospital and (6). The interior of this church-fortress in the Gothic style is fully Seia - constitute since 2020 the Geopark Estrela, recognized by accessible. You can admire a magnificent altarpiece in Ançã UNESCO for its geological value. Another good reason to visit the stone, a remarkable work of the late Renaissance. Natural Park. Another good reason to visit the Natural Park.

For a tour around the region we suggest an itinerary across the mountain, but since there is so much to see and do in the largest Portuguese protected area, it is best to start by asking for information at one of the Natural Park’s Information Centres, so as to make the most of your stay.

2013 Turismo de Portugal. All rights reserved. 16/22 [email protected] Useful information Find out more: Natural Park http://www.natural.pt Estrela Geoparkhttp://www.geoparkestrela.pt/ Ski resort http://www.skiserradaestrela.com

Getting here By road: A25 –exits at Viseu (N231) , Mangualde (N232), Celorico da Beira and GuardaA23 –exits at Covilhã, Belmonte and GuardaN17 –exits at Seia, Guarda e Celorico da Beira By train: www.cp.ptBeira Alta Line - Nelas, Mangualde, Celorico da Beira and Guarda stationsBeira Baixa Line - Covilhã, Belmonte and Guarda stations Coach: www.rede-expressos.ptto Covilhã, Guarda, Seia, Gouveia and Celorico da Beira Guarda – Catedral © Shutterstock - Liane M

Nearby, next to one of the ancient gates in the city walls, stands the Torre de Ferreiros (Ferreiros Tower) (7) and, a little further down we find the little Capela de São Pedro (Chapel of São Pedro) (8), but the stairs at the entrance hinder access to a narrow space inside. This area has a more uneven surface and causes more vibrations while getting around.

The route continues through Largo João de Almeida, where the pillory stands, and the Igreja da Misericórdia (Church of the Misericórdia) (9). It is built in Baroque style and is outside the medieval walls. Access to its spacious interior is hampered by some steps at the entrance, an obstacle that you will also find in the Museu da Guarda (Guarda Museum) (10). Housed in the former Bishop’s Palace, this museum has appealing collections of architecture, numismatics, painting and sculpture. But independent access is only possible on the ground floor, since you have to climb stairs to reach the upper floor.

If you want to pause for a while, we suggest the Jardim Municipal José de Lemos (José de Lemos Municipal Gardens) (11), a very pleasant green space. Then you can complete this tour in the Torre de Menagem (the Keep) (12), which stands at an altitude of 1056 metres. Access presents some difficulties because it is on a sloping street and there are steps at the entrance. This isolated tower was part of the old Alcazaba/citadel of the castle and has a reception centre, in a building that is fully accessible. Here you will find an exhibition of archaeological finds and an information centre relating to the main points of cultural interest in the municipality, where you can learn more about the places you have visited. Useful Information

Tour of Guarda

The fresh, healthy mountain air in Portugal’s highest city

This is the colour of the Cathedral. Tall, huge and imposing, it has the appearance of a fortress with mighty towers rising as a symbol of the defence of faith and the territory. And if the exterior impresses us by its inspired design and Gothic decoration, the interior is surprising for the overwhelming height of the naves and an enormous altarpiece carved in stone.

Outside in the square, the 16th century arcades house cafés where you can rest and watch the pulsating heart of the city. Narrow streets radiate from here, with granite palaces and old houses with Gothic windows and gargoyles in the eaves. The entire historical centre is protected by walls, gates and mediaeval towers that have lasted to the present day almost intact.

Next to the walls lies the Judiaria (Jewish Quarter). Most of the buildings date from the Middle Ages, preserving symbols carved in stone and the original architecture with two doors - a narrow one to access the family living space on the upper floor, another wider door to the shop on the ground floor, since most of the Jews were tradesmen.

No visit would be complete without a stop at the Guarda Museum housed in the former Bishop's Palace, the Misericórdia Church with its Baroque interior, and the Church of São Vicente with its remarkable tile panels. Outside the town centre, the Romanesque Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Mileu is one of the oldest monuments, dating from before the 12th century. Nearby

Serra da Estrela, located nearby, influences the quality of the air you breathe here, which was acclaimed for its purity by the European Bioclimate Federation. The mountain is 1993 metres at its highest point and can be visited by car, or discovered in more detail by following the hiking trails of the Nature Park.

Other suggestions for nearby trips are the river beaches at Aldeia Viçosa and Valhelhas, ideal for summer days, and the historic villages spread across the region.

Getting here

- By road: A23 (Guarda-Torres Novas) with connection to the A1 at Torres Novas and A25 (Aveiro-Vilar Formoso) with connection to the A1 at Albergaria

- By train: (www.cp.pt) Beira Baixa and Beira Alta lines

- Bus: Rede Expressos (http://www.rede-expressos.pt)

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Guarda Dream Overland Address: Rua do Cruzeiro, 2 6300-040 Avelãs de Ambom Telephone: +351 917 602 922 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.dreamoverland.com Characteristics and Services: Boat Trips; Guided Tours; Tourism Circuits; Other Activities; Enotourism and Gastronomy; Accessibility: Activities accessible to people with disabilities;

We are a registered tour company with a deep knowledge of the country specialised in the organisation of adventure and overland trips in Portugal. We base our activity on the values of legal compliance, nature protection and sustainability. We operate according to our own Code of Conduct, aligned with the requirements of the Portuguese Institute of Nature Conservation and Forests. We have a special environmental accreditation allowing us to drive inside Nature Parks and other protected areas (where permitted), and we are members of the Natural.pt brand (www.natural.pt), reserved for companies who have adhered to the programme. Our offer is based on a personalised service with tailor-made trips meeting the personal interests of our guests. We are constantly exploring and spending countless days on the ground in contact with the local people and organisations in search for the best places of interest and the best routes. As a result of this research, we have acquired a deep knowledge of the whole country which allows us to give our guests a renewed level of novelty and differentiation in each event. Join us and discover a susprising Portugal.

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Guarda Guarda

Set at 1,056 metres on the slopes of the Serra da Estrela, this is the highest city in Portugal. Given its strategic location, it has served as a battleground since pre-history and settled since pre- Roman times.

Recognising its importance as a key border defence position, king Sancho I founded the city of Guarda in 1199, bestowing a bishopdom and the Cathedral. With the castle built, the walls were strengthened by kings Afonso II and Afonso III. The remains, some now parts of houses, are most clearly noticeable in the Keep, the Tower of Ferreiros and the Gates of Erva and d´El Rei. The city of Guarda has strong royal connections: king Dinis stayed here after his marriage to Isabel of Aragon in Trancoso, Fernando came for its weather as he tried to rid himself of lung disease and Afonso V held court here in 1465.

In 1510, the city's charter was renewed by King Manuel I. Also in the 16th century, bishop Nuno de Noronha set about improving the ecclesiastical presence carrying out notable projects including the Seminary and the Episcopal Palace, now the Museum of Guarda.

In the 18th century, Guarda did gain a modest share of the period's royal ostentation with the rebuilding of the Church of São Vicente and the Church of Misericórdia. The beginning of the 19th century saw a period of transformation. After the Napoleonic wars had devastated the border regions, Guarda became district capital in 1835. In 1881, it would recover jurisdiction over the short-lived bishopdom of Pinhel and that of Castelo Branco, both established under the Marquês de Pombal. Improvements to means of communication and infrastructures helped in offsetting some of the problems caused by its remote location. While this did open the door to progress and development, it did not prove enough to fully overcome all regional difficulties.

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Guarda Bestravel / Guarda Address: Largo General Humberto Delgado, 76300-712 Guarda Telephone: +351 271 205 360 Fax: +351 271 205 365 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.besttravel.pt Other informations: Licence No.: 2497 Payments: Credit cards accepted;

BESTRAVEL is the biggest franchising network of travel agencies, withholding more than 40 stores, strategically placed all over the country. We promote the development of the best solutions, fulfilling the wishes and needs of the customers in terms of imagination, quality, practical sense and the price. BESTRAVEL's mission is accomplished when our customers return home 100% satisfied.

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Guarda Posto de Turismo - Guarda Address: Welcome Center Praça Luís de Camões 6300-725 Guarda Telephone: +351 271 205 530 / 926 576 026 Fax: +351 271 205 533 E-mail: [email protected] ; [email protected] Website: http://www.turismod ocentro.pt;http://www.visitcentrodeportugal.com.pt