Guarda - Cathedral Catedral

The Catedral, which is in the middle of the town, is a granite building of fortress like appearance, with crenellated walls. It was begun in Gothic style in 1390 and completed in the 16th C., although the portal on the northern transept still looks Gothic. The Manueline additions, notably the west front and doorway, were built by Manuel I's great architect, Boytaca, on the model of Batalha Abbey.

The magnificent three aisled interior achieves its effect by its harmonious proportions and simplicity of line. The stone retable (1550), on which over 100 figures enact scenes from the life of Christ, was the work of John of Rouen (Joao de Ruao); the gilding was added in the 18th C. It is well worth climbing up to the roof terrace to see the method of construction of the roof, spanned by flying buttresses, and to enjoy the superb view over the town to the Serra da Estrela.