If back in the days the Fortress of Valença was used to defend the borders and avoid invasions, today it is a meeting point for people from all over the world that visit it for the commerce, the gastronomy, the history and as an important point of the Camino de Santiago.
In the left bank of the Minho river, in front of Tui, the walls extend for more than five kilometers. The fortress is grandiose but at the same time discrete and in harmony with its surroundings.
Its monumentality combined with the commerce in its interior is the recipe to attract many tourists, mostly Spanish. This leads us to think in the irony of destiny, since this fortress was built to protect Portugal from the invasions of Spain.
There is an entire town functioning inside these walls, with the little traditional shops, the restaurants and the cafes standing out. It is easy to get lost in these walls and to let yourself to explore the streets.
A visit to Minho requires a stop in Valença and a visit to its fortress. From the top of the hill, it imposes its presence, signaling the grandeur of one of the oldest Portuguese settlements, whose grandeur leaves no one indifferent upon arrival!
Thinking about visiting the Fortress of Valença?
The entrance to the Fortress of Valença is free of charges. The best way to get to the fortress is by car or train. To make the most of your visit, choose a not very warm day. But if you’re surprised by the high temperatures, there are many terraces where you can have a cold drink or an ice cream.
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