Valença, Portugal

The origins of Valença can be traced back to Roman times. The two existing Roman highways (the Via IV of Antonine Itinerary XIX, of military usage, and the designated per loca martima – Itinerary XX, of commercial use) constitute proof. A Roman milestone marks the XLII mile of the route linking Braga and Tui, which is also located within the defensive walls. During the 12th century, this stronghold was filled by King Sancho I’s command. Contrasta, which means “settlement opposed to another,” or Tui (Spain) in this case, was the name. King Afonso III renamed it Valença in the 13th century. Its historical significance stems mostly from military limitations. It was crucial to Portugal’s defence and integrity against neighbouring Spain. The village is now peacefully overrun by Spanish visitors for business and tourism objectives. The fortification is still in use by the Portuguese.

Things to do and see:

• Church of Saint Stephen

It is a religious neoclassical building. A Neoclassical church with a longitudinal plan, with 3 naves. The Collegiate Church of Santo Estêvão de Valença was based here, as was the Bishopric of Ceuta. From those times, it is possible to appreciate the bishop’s chair, in the Gothic-Mudejar style, as well as the chairs and paintings from the life of Stº Estevão. The temple still retains the only existing painting in Portugal of the Virgin breastfeeding the boy who escaped the Inquisition.

GPS: 42º1’54.02” N | 8º38´41.49” W

• Church of Saint Mary of Angels

The Mother Church of Valença, dating back to the 13th century in the Romanesque style, has a longitudinal plan. Inside, it conserves five polychrome carved altarpieces in neoclassical and baroque styles in the nave, 2 of which are positioned collaterally to the triumphal arch, and in the chancel, the altarpiece in equally polychrome carvings, also of neoclassical design. In the adjoining funerary chapel, interesting traces of sixteenth-century mural painting are also preserved.

• Military chapel of Bom Jesus. Baroque chapel, 17th and 18th centuries

An exponent of religious, baroque and rococo architecture. The chapel of Bom Jesus do Bonfim has a rectangular nave and chancel. Inside, it preserves the image of Nª Sra do Carmo, patron saint of the 21st Infantry Regiment stationed in Valença. Appreciate the number of decorations in the image and the inspiration and protection dedicated in the side frame to the Valença Regiment.

GPS: 42º1’42.45”N | 8º38’43.62”W

• Statue of São Teotónio

A 20th-century sculpture depicting the image of the 1st Portuguese Saint, the inspirer and guardian of nationality. He was born in the Valencian parish of Ganfei in 1082 and died on February 18, 1162, in Coimbra. First Portuguese saint, regarded as the patron saint of imprisoned Christians, for assisting 1000 abducted Mozarabic men, women, and children during D. Afonso Henriques’ incursion into Andalusia.

• Manor house, 15th-century (Eirado house)

Manor house is one of the oldest in the fort. It stands out for its merlons, the Jewish marks on the doors and its window. The window of Casa Do Eirado is one of the first hallmarks of the Portuguese Manueline architectural style. Underneath the window is the figure of a head, in granite, with the inscription FEAL: ME FEZ 1448. The villagers say that it symbolizes a Galician who has had his throat cut.

GPS: N 42º1’51.4” | W 8º38’40.4”

• Marshal’s House, 19th Century XVIII. Champalimaud Nussane Portal

The house in the shape of an inverted L, on Rua Mouzinho de Albuquerque, is one of the most important buildings in the Historic Center in terms of architectural interest. An example of late-Baroque architecture belonged to Marshal Champalimaud de Nussane, a prominent figure in the Portuguese Army who was also governor of Praça Forte de Valença.

GPS: 42º1’54.11″ N | 8º38’43.11″ W

• Capela Sant’ana Viewpoint

One of the most privileged viewpoints in Alto Minho, with a fabulous view over Valença and Tui, with the bridge that joins them and the river Minho, up to its mouth, in Caminha. It is located next to the chapels of Nossa Sra. do Faro and Santa Ana and is set in a natural park with pleasant leisure spaces and picnic areas.

• The viewpoint of Santo Ovid

Sanfins: next to the chapel of Santo Ovídeo, there is a panoramic bridge to appreciate the upper part of the Portuguese Minho Valley and the lands of Condado, in the south of Galicia.

• The viewpoint of Sao Lourenco

Taião: A place of great scenic value, the Capela de S. Lourenço viewpoint is located at one of the highest points in the region. Panoramic views of the sea, overlooking Portugal and Spain.

• The viewpoint of São Sebastião

  

  A long staircase takes visitors to the Sanctuary of São Sebastião. Here, the view reaches the entire southern part of the municipality of Valença and the lands of Galicia.

• TAIÃO viewpoint

  

  A privileged viewpoint for the southern part of the municipality of Valença and Vale do Minho Transfronteiriço

• Furna castle viewpoint

From the majesty of the granite agglomeration, the view extends through valleys and hills, from Boulhosa to the lands of Galicia.

• Socorro viewpoint

Fortaleza: Located at the northern end of the fortress, the Baluarte do Socorro has the best view over Tui, the International Bridge, the River Minho and the agricultural fields, all in perfect harmony with the surroundings.

ECOTRAIL OF THE MINHO RIVER

The ECOPISTA DO RIO MINHO and ECOVIA DAS VEIGAS DO RIO MINHO are green corridors along the River Minho that offer a journey through lush riverfront environment.

• The path is privileged, having already earned awards for the third and fourth greatest greenways in Europe.
• The Ecopista follows the flow of the River Minho through vineyards, cultivated fields, streams, and excellent perspectives, all while traversing a rich constructed heritage.
• The fisheries, insuas and islands, and the Veiga da Mira biotype, all of which are part of the Natura 2000 Network, provide tiny complementing retreats to the Ecopista.
• Relax at the picnic parks of Verdoejo, Ganfei, and Senhora da Cabeça (Cristelo Côvo) or the Foz do Manco Leisure Area (Friestas), which have beautiful natural settings.
• The Ecopista is easily accessible by foot, bicycle, inline skates, or skateboard and may be utilised alone or with the family.