The origins of the city of Guarda date back a long time in history. The original traces that are still visible take us back to the Neolithic Period: one of the best examples being the Anta de Pêra do Moço or the stone axes which can be seen in the city museum. The Tintinolho and Jarmelo fortresses or the traces of a Roman Road, are other important historical remnants of the Bronze Age and the Roman Period.
The Polytechnic of Guarda is an institution of higher education dedicated to preparing students for their future professions. It is also involved in research and investigation activities, services to the community and cultural, scientific and technical interchange. The Polytechnic was founded by Law 303/80 in 1980 and its statutes were confirmed in 1985. The School of Education began in 1986. One year later, the School of Technology and Management opened its doors to the Higher Education System. In 1999, the School of Tourism and Hospitality Management in Seia was founded, followed, in 2001, by the integration of the School of Health Sciences. Thus, the Polytechnic of Guarda is made up of four schools:
– The School of Education, Communication and Sport;
– The School of Technology and Management;
– The School of Tourism and Hospitality Management;
– The School of Health Sciences.
In the current academic year, this institution has about 3,000 students and over 250 teachers.
Services available on campus are: the President’s Office, the Legal Office, the International Relations Office, the Planning Office, the Financial and Accounting Department, The Human Resources Department, The Academic Services, the Computer Services Department, the Information and Communication office, the Technical Office, the Training and Sports Office, the Library, the Swimming Pool and the Laboratory of Internet and Applied Technology.
The Research Unit for Inland Development (UDI) is also located in the main campus and its main objective is the promotion of research, training and development. There are groups of researchers for all the scientific areas this Polytechnic Institute can offer.