A fortified town on the Portuguese-Spanish border, known for its 17th-century walls and strategic location overlooking the Minho River.
Valença, a small town in northern Portugal, sits atop a hill overlooking the Minho River and Spain. Its 17th-century fortress dominates the landscape. Within the fortress walls, you'll find narrow streets with shops selling colorful textiles, historic churches like Igreja de Santo Estevão, and restaurants serving regional dishes such as lamprey and codfish.
Exploring the Fortress
The fortress of Valença is central to the town's identity. Built in the 13th century and expanded in the 17th and 18th centuries, it consists of two polygonal enclosures connected by a bridge. As you walk along the fortress walls, you'll see ancient cannons still pointing towards Spain. The fortress has four gates, with the Porta do Sol being the main entrance. Napoleonic forces damaged this gate during their invasions, but it has since been restored.
Churches Within the Walls
Inside the fortress, you'll find several historic churches. The Igreja de Santo Estevão, dating back to the 14th century, has a Neoclassical façade and houses 16th-century paintings and a unique 15th-century oak Bishop's throne. The Igreja de Santa Maria dos Anjos, built in 1276, features a small chapel with Gothic-Roman inscriptions.
Shopping for Textiles
Valença is known for its textile industry. Many shops within the fortress sell bed linens, towels, tablecloths, and other textile products. You'll find a range of designs from colorful patterns to more subtle options. It's best to explore the shops away from the main street for a calmer shopping experience.
Day Trips from Valença
From Valença, you can easily visit nearby places. The town of Tui in Spain is just across the river, connected by a bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel in 1879. The Peneda-Gerês National Park is within reach, with its waterfalls, rock formations, and diverse flora and fauna. You can also visit Monte do Faro, a mountain where you can see the Minho region and Tui from above.
Local Cuisine
Valença's cuisine reflects its location near the river and the sea. Try the lamprey prepared in the Minho style, a local specialty. Other regional dishes include kid goat (cabrito) and codfish prepared in various ways. The Solar do Bacalhau restaurant specializes in cod dishes and also serves other seafood and meat options.
Getting to Valença
You can reach Valença by train or bus. Trains run from Porto, Viana do Castelo, and even Vigo in Spain. Several bus companies operate services from Porto, Braga, and other nearby cities. If you're driving, the A3 motorway connects Valença to Porto and Braga.
Where to Stay
Consider staying at the Pousada de Valença, located within the fortress. This four-star hotel has rooms with views of the river and Spain. For a more budget-friendly option, the Hotel Valença do Minho, located outside the fortress, provides comfortable rooms and has a swimming pool.
