Category: Military Architecture > Castle
District: Guarda > Guarda > Guarda > Judiária
Located in the city of Guarda, in the district of Guarda, Portugal, the Guarda Castle is situated at 1,056.3 meters above sea level, making it the highest castle in the country.
Classified as a National Monument since 1910, the castle dates back to an ancient castro from the Roman era, with visible vestiges of the medieval walls that defined the city's limits.
Built in the 13th century during the reign of Sancho I of Portugal, the castle was fortified over the following centuries by Kings Afonso II, Dinis, Fernando I, and João I, contributing to the strategic defense of the region.
During the Crisis of 1383-1385, the castle played a crucial role in the Portuguese resistance against the Castilian invasions, led by John I of Castile.
It features an irregular polygonal plan adapted to the mountainous terrain, highlighting the Keep, in Gothic style, and the Torre dos Ferreiros (Blacksmiths' Tower), known for its distinct architectural elements.
Among the remaining structures, the Porta da Erva (Herb Gate) and the Porta dos Ferreiros (Blacksmiths' Gate) stand out, with arches of different styles and historical importance to the city.
It has undergone several conservation interventions over the centuries, with significant restoration projects carried out by the Directorate-General for National Buildings and Monuments, especially notable in the decades of 1940, 1950, 1980, and 2000.
Today, the castle offers visitors the opportunity to explore the vestiges of the medieval walls, the Keep, and other points of architectural and historical interest, providing a unique panoramic view over the city and the surrounding region.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castelo_da_Guarda
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.537439456262675,-7.271411342112902
Coordinates DMS: 40°32'14.8"N 07°16'17.1"W
Weather Guarda
On-duty Pharmacy Guarda
