Valença, in the heart of Alto Minho, is a municipality that stretches along the left bank of the Minho River, serving as a gateway to Portugal from neighboring Galicia, Spain. Its strategic geographical location, over the centuries, has profoundly shaped its history and identity.
The most striking element of Valença is undoubtedly its imposing Fortress. This military complex, one of the largest and best-preserved examples of bastion military architecture in Portugal, dominates the landscape. Its double walls, with a perimeter of about five kilometers, enclose a vibrant historic town. Walking along its bastions and ramparts offers panoramic views of the Minho River, the city of Tui on the other side of the border, and the verdant Minho landscape.
Within the Fortress walls, there is traditional housing, narrow streets, and welcoming squares that invite exploration. This space breathes history, recalling Valença's vital role in border defense and control. The atmosphere within the walls is characterized by its own life, where historical legacy meets the everyday. Valença is a place where the richness of heritage is manifested in every stone and every view.
Beyond the Fortress, the municipality features a riparian and rural natural landscape, with the presence of the Minho River marking its fishing and agricultural identity in some areas. The general atmosphere of Valença is that of a town with a strong historical character, where tradition remains alive.
