If you’re in need of a breath of fresh, mountain air then Guarda could be just the tonic.
The tiny city – which has just over 40,000 people living there – is Portugal’s highest and located on the edge of a mountain.
But as well as being a lofty location to visit, there are lots of other fabulous reasons to make a trip to the city which is at an altitude of 1,056m and located to the north east of Serra da Estrela, the largest mountain in mainland Portugal.
Portugal’s tourism website – visitPortugal – explains: “The fresh, healthy mountain air in Portugal’s highest city flows through the mediaeval streets to which the granite lends nobility and a dark colour.
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“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 visitors who have made the trip to the city agree that the cathedral is an absolute must see – as it’s from there you can get some of the most breathtaking views.
Tourists have shared their experiences of visiting Guarda Cathedral – Sé da Guarda – on travel review website Tripadvisor.
One said: “The cathedral is very nice with interesting naves, architecture and so on but where it differs from most is that you have unrestricted access to the roof where you get amazing views Over Guardia and the surrounding countryside – fantastic.”
Another Tripadvisor said it was “worth going up to the roof”.
They added: “Great views and an impressive gothic structure.
“We were the only ones up there when we went and the ominous weather made for a cool experience.”
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As well as a trip to the top of the breathtaking cathedral travel blogger Amy, who runs travel blog Templeseeker, points to the other things that should be on your Guarda checklist – from the Jewish quarter to the gastronomy.
Amy said: “I climbed to the top of the cathedral to admire the flying buttresses and phenomenal views. I walked around ‘La Juderia’ – the old Jewish quarter.
“I also befriended the local cheese shop owner who insisted I try numerous local liqueurs – I did not complain at that and knocked them back willingly!”
She added: “Yes – all this in just 6 hours in Guarda! And I loved every minute!”
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