Guarda is the highest and oldest city in Portugal. The former fortress town is home to the Polytechnic of Guarda, which was founded in 1980. In its four schools spread across three campuses are more than 250 teaching staff looking after about 3,000 students on its 25 bachelor¡¯s and 15 master¡¯s programmes. It has international links with institutions in Brazil and France.
The polytechnic is involved in research and community service. It has a strong commitment to regional development, and it has established a Research Unit for Inland Development to support this mission.
The Polytechnic of Guarda is near the spectacular Serra da Estrela Nature Park, a major tourist attraction and destination for nature lovers and adventurers.