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Fortress · Valença, Viana do Castelo
Fortaleza de Valença
17th-century star-shaped fortress over the Minho river, with two citadels linked by a bridge over the moat, monumental gates, bastions and the old streets of the town inside the walls. National Monument since 1928.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Fortaleza de Valença
The Fortaleza de Valença has guarded the crossing of the Minho river since the Middle Ages, facing Tui in Galicia. The medieval wall was extended in the 17th century, during the Restoration War, with a project by the French engineer Miguel de l'École, and it was given the star-shaped layout with bastions, moats and ravelins, typical of the artillery era.
The fortress has two parts: the old citadel, where the town’s houses are located, and the Coroada, a set of bastions on the south side. The two are linked by a bridge over the moat, and access is through monumental gates such as the Porta da Coroada and the Porta do Meio. The fortress has been a National Monument since 1928.
Inside the walls, the stone streets group together old houses, the church of Santa Maria dos Anjos, the Igreja da Misericórdia, the Casa do Governador, the pelourinho and a medieval cistern, as well as many shops selling towels, bed linen and crafts that are popular with Spanish visitors.
You can walk along the ramparts and reach viewpoints over the Minho river, with the international bridge and Tui’s cathedral opposite.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours for both citadels and the walk along the ramparts.
Best time
Early morning or late afternoon, when there is less activity in the shops. On weekends the fortress tends to get busy.
How to get there
It sits high above the river, about a 10-minute walk from the train station. By car there is parking next to the gates.
Tip
Take the walk along the top of the ramparts, not just through the shopping streets: it’s from there that you see the star layout and the Minho river.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Fortaleza de Valença
How many parts does the fortress have?
Two: the old citadel, with the village houses, and the Coroada, a set of bastions on the south side, connected by a bridge over the moat.
Can you walk on the walls?
Yes. The walk along the top of the walls leads to viewpoints over the river Minho.
Do people live inside the fortress?
Yes. Inside the walls is the old town center, with houses, churches, shops and restaurants.
What churches are there inside the walls?
The church of Santa Maria dos Anjos, the parish church of the town, and the Igreja da Misericórdia, among other chapels.