Torre (Serra da Estrela)
| Torre | |
|---|---|
 Trig point that marks the highest point of Continental Portugal. | |
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 1,993 m (6,539 ft) |
| Prominence | 1,204 m (3,950 ft) |
| Parent peak | Pico Almanzor |
| Listing | Extreme points of Portugal |
| Coordinates | 40°19′18.72″N 7°36′46.68″W / 40.3218667°N 7.6129667°W |
| Geography | |
  Torre Portugal | |
| Location | Seia, Guarda District, Portugal |
| Parent range | Serra da Estrela (part of Sistema Central) |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | Unknown |
| Easiest route | Drive |
Torre (English: Tower) is the highest point of Mainland Portugal, and the second most elevated of the Portuguese Republic (only Mount Pico, in the Azores, is higher). This point is not a distinctive mountain summit, but rather the highest point in a mountain range. Torre has an unusual feature of being a summit that is accessible by paved road, the Regional Road 339 (R 339), formerly National Road 339 (N 339).
It is located in a mountain range named Serra da Estrela, on the border between the municipalities of Seia, District of Guarda and Covilhã, District of Castelo Branco.
The actual elevation of this area is 1,993 metres (6,637 feet), according to measures realized by the Instituto Geográfico do Exército (a military organization). Right in the highest point of the mountain range, situated in the middle of a roundabout, near a road that connects the cities of Seia and Covilhã, a trig point that shows the highest point in Serra da Estrela was built.
Near Torre, there are a restaurant, stores with typical products of this region, like the Serra da Estrela cheese, and a ski center called Vodafone Ski Resort, situated in the municipality of Seia. However, the nearest urban area of this place is the city of Covilhã, 20 km (12 mi) away, and the nearest accommodations are situated in the village of Penhas da Saúde, 10 minutes away.
Sources
- (in English) Serra da Estrela Forecast, Snow Report and Resort Information
- (in English and Portuguese) Região de Turismo da Serra da Estrela
- (in English and Portuguese) Câmara Municipal da Covilhã (Covilhã City Hall)
