Valença

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Also known as Valença do Minho, this county is bordered to the North and Northwest by the Minho river, which separates it from Spain. This river that marks the landscape, where are the vineyards and cultivated fields arranged symmetrically. Its Foundation is closely linked to their geographical location, having been an important military and political point due to the proximity of the border with Galicia. Was populated by Dom Sancho I and destroyed in 1212 by troops of Alfonso IX of León, receiving a Charter in 1217. During the middle ages, it was an important point of passage for pilgrims heading to Santiago de Compostela. At the time of the war of Restoration, between 1657 and 1668, was repeatedly battered by attacks Castilians, conserving even some forts built at this point: Fort of São Jorge, Balagota Fort, Tuído Fort, Forte de São Pedro da Torre and Watchtower of Cerdal. In relation to its gastronomy, roast lamb, cod to Gandra to São Teotónio, the RAM to dry soup and Gondomil. At the time of slaughter the pig, you can try belouras, sarrabulho and Fireworks. In handicraft, highlight to the Linnen.

What to do in Valença

Núcleo Intra-muros da Praça de Valença

Valença

Urban cluster within the fortifications of Valença. The core intramuros-devoid of Castle-is totally surrounded by defensive belt staggered, largely preserving the Esplanade lined with heathy and shrubby.

Praça Forte de Valença

Valença

These fortifications dating from the 17th century and were built to cope with struggles for independence. Was one of the most important strongholds in the country. Currently there are four doors and twelve bastions, built up in different times. On the terraces you can see old pieces of artillery. It was remodeled in 1640.

Centro Histórico de Valença

Valença

The wonderful historic centre of Valença is located inside the walls, from the old metal bridge to the landmark and several religious monuments, namely the Church if Colegiada of Saint Etêvão, the Church of Misericórdia and the Mother Church of Saint Maria dos Anjos. Valença firstly became important during the Middle Age as it was a passing point to the …

Porto de Recreio de Cristelo Covo

Valença

A new docking space for boats on the Minho river, by the Park of Our Lady of Cabeça, a traditional leisure area for the inhabitants of Valença and for those who wish to enjoy the activities by the river.

Igreja Românica do Convento de Sanfins

Valença

This Romanic church was built at 200 metres height. It has one only nave and used to be part of the former Benedictine convent. It is worthy to mention the decoration on the capitals, on the doors and on the …

Casa do Eirado

Valença

Also known as Casa da window, this 15th-century building has a rectangular plan with facades of one or two storeys, in apparent stonework, torn by rectilinear openings with Manueline decoration. In front of the left side there are some tears …

Ponte Metálica sobre o Rio Minho

Valença

Bridge connecting Portugal to Spain, of double Board plan, overlapped, with a maximum extent of about 400 meters, the bottom for on-road use, with the width of about 6.5 metres, and the superior to train movement. The opening of this …

Igreja Matriz de Valença / Igreja de Santa Maria dos Anjos

Valença

Church located in the intramuros core of the fortress of Valença, which combines Romanesque architecture, 16th century, late-Baroque, neoclassical and revival.

Capela do Bom Jesus

Valença

Baroque chapel with Rococo elements, longitudinal plant, consisting of nave and chancel. The project was designed by military engineer Manuel Pinto de Vilalobos.

Necrópole Medieval do Adro Velho

Valença

Necropolis located in the vicinity of Verdoejo, through a thick forest of pine and oak trees.

Núcleo Museológico Municipal de Valença

Valença

The old jail and "Domus Municipalis", one of the most emblematic buildings and ancient stronghold receives now, memories of the most striking moments in the history of Valencia. The archaeological booty, reading the medieval fortification and the apogee of 18th …

Torre de Silva

Valença

Tower of military architecture, medieval and 17th century, being one of the oldest stately towers. Its main entrance was primitive by the broken Arch of the second floor, and, subsequently, changed the main façade to the opposite face. On this …

Ecopista do Rio Minho

Valença

A trail for pedestrians and bivycles that stretches along several kilometres, where there used to be the old railway between Valença and Monção. It is also very near the Minho river.

Convento Beneditino de Ganfei

Valença

Former Benedictine convent, extensively reworked in the 18th century, where Romanesque elements are visible. Is formed by three naves powerful Romanesque root. Beyond the cloister conserves elements belonging to fountains, fountains and fountains.

Igreja do Salvador de Ganfei

Valença

In this three naves church it is still possible to observe the columns and the arches and Romanic capitals. It suffered important changes on the 18th century with the replacement of the original Romanic door and the apse.

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Where to eat in Valença

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Where to sleep in Valença

Quinta do Caminho
Quinta do Caminho
Pousada de Valença
Pousada de Valença

Charm inn

Opened in 1962, the Pousada de Valença do Minho, of São Teotónio, stands on the highest point of the historic centre of Valencia, with privileged view of Spain…

Casa da Eira de Gondomil
Casa da Eira de Gondomil

17TH century House, situated between Valencia and monsoon. Built by monks who belonged to the convent of Sanfins de "Friestas", has gone from farmhouse rural t…

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Near Valença

Arcos de Valdevez

Arcos de Valdevez

Arcos de Valdevez is one of the largest municipalities of Portugal, being composed of 51 parishes, most of which are part of the Peneda-Gerês mountai…

Caminha

Caminha

It is bounded to the north by the Minho river and to the south by Viana do Castelo. This is the location of Caminha municipality, composed by 20 pari…

Vila Nova de Cerveira

Vila Nova de Cerveira

Vila Nova de Cerveira is strongly influenced by the Minho River, which delimits the entire municipality and provides magnificent views to those who p…

Melgaço

Melgaço

Located in Alto Minho, Melgaço is a mountainous municipality located between the left bank of the Minho river and the Peneda and Soajo mountains. As …