VALENÇA
42° 1' 33" N; 8° 37' 58" W
It is the seat of a municipality with 117.13 km² in area and 14 127 inhabitants (2011), subdivided into 11 parishes ( Boivão; Cerdal; Fontoura; Friestas; Gandra e Taião; União das Freguesias de Valença, Cristelo Covo e Arão; Ganfei; Gondomil e Sanfins; São Julião e Silva;
São Pedro da Torre; Verdoejo ).
The municipality is limited to the east by the municipality of Monção, to the south by Paredes de Coura, to the west by Vila Nova de Cerveira, and to the northwest and north by Galicia (municipality of Tui).
Valença is a walled town located on the left bank of Minho River, approximately 25 km from the Atlantic Ocean.
Distances:
Lisbon - 424 km
Porto - 118 km
Madrid (Spain) - 593 km
Viana do Castelo - 52 km
Braga - 74 km
Vigo (Spain) - 30 km
Vila Nova de Cerveira - 15 km
Linked to the wall rises the new quarter, where buildings such as social facilities, schools, the stadium, and sports center, the health care center, the municipal market, and the municipal swimming pools are located. Concerning cuisine, Valença offers genuine delicacies such as Lampreia à Minhota (lamprey), Cabrito à Sanfins (kid), Bacalhau à São Teotónio (dried codfish) and Empanada (meat or fish pie).
Valença origins date back to Roman times. The two existent Roman roads are the proof (the Via IV of Antonine Itinerary XIX, of military use, and the designated per loca marítima - Itinerary XX -, of commercial use). Also inside the fortified walls, a Roman milestone marks the XLII mile of the road connecting Braga to Tui. This stronghold was populated by the order of King Sancho I during the 12th century. It was called Contrasta which means "village opposed to another", Tui (Spain) in this case. Its historical importance is mainly due to military constraints. It had a decisive role in the defense and integrity of Portugal from neighboring Spain. Today the town is peacefully invaded by the Spanish that visit it for commercial and touristic purposes, the Portuguese still use the fortress.
Attractions
The fortress
The most interesting things to visit are mainly inside the fortress that looks down to the Minho River and Galicia. They have been destroyed several times whether it were the Barbarians, the Moors, the armies of Asturias and Leon, or even the French troops in the 19th century, they have always been restored and still very well preserved.
Valença's fortress is a piece of gothic and baroque military architecture. The first walls were built in the 13th century. It was upgraded during the 17th and 18th century forming the present bulwarked system. It is placed on top of two small hills and it is formed by two polygons (the Recinto Magistral and the Coroada) separated by a ditch and with four doors (Coroada, Gaviarra, Fonte da Vila, and Sol). The main entrance is Porta do Sol (Sun's door). This door was damaged during the Napoleonic invasions.
The old international bridge
In 1879 Portugal and Spain agreed to construct a bi-functional (road and train) bridge. The bridge was built inspired by Eiffel works. The bridge is still in use although a new bridge was built south of the older one.
Roman milestone
Located inside the fortress this Roman milestone dates back from the 1st century AD. It has the following inscription:
TIBERIUS CLAUDIUS CAESER AUGUSTUS GERMANICUS PONTIFEX MAXIMUS. IMPERATOR V CONSUL III, TRIBUNICIA POTESTATE III. PATER PATRIAE BRACARA XLII.
It marks 42 Roman miles' (62 km) distance on the road from Braga to Tui and Emperor Claudius ordered its construction when the Via IV of Antonine was rebuilt.
Church of Saint Stephen
A Romanic church built during the 13th century and a neo-classic rebuilt during the 18th century. Inside several panels representing scenes, Saint Stephen's life can be admired.
Church of Saint Mary of Angels
Romanic church built during the 12th century. The popular decoration and the ceiling are the eye-catchers.
The cannons
Along the north wall, several old cannons very well maintained are positioned pointing to the river and Galicia as if to remind of their old purpose.
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