Tile of Friar Pedro da Guarda

Friar Pedro da Guarda: He was born in 1435 in the highest city, the son of João Luís, a weaver, and Ângela Gonçalves. A Franciscan at the age of 25, he dedicated himself to rescuing travellers lost in the snowy mountains, always accompanied by his dog Serra da Estrela, who is credited with saving hundreds of lives. He also assisted the sick, having founded the first hospital in Guarda for this purpose. His reputation for holiness and notoriety, in contrast to his profound humility, led him, at the age of 50, to move to the Convent of St Bernardino, on the island of Madeira, which was almost depopulated at the time, where he died at the age of 70, called the Servant of God.