Visconde da Guaratiba Square
Bastion of Nossa Senhora do Socorro
/ TUI
SPAIN
Santa Maria dos Anjos Mother Church and Misericórdia Chapel
Doors of D. Afonso,
turret and cistern
Casa do Poço
Saint Estevão Paroquial Church
Afonsinas Doors and Butcher’s Storeroom
Gaviarra Ravelin
Paiol de Marte (tourism)
Milestone and Royal House
S. Teotónio Square
Praça da República
Portas do Sol Square
Statue of S. Teotónio and Nossa Senhora do Carmo Chapel
shop with history
Valença’s past is profoundly linked to the history of its
“castel” which dates back to the 13th century. In the year
1200 King D. Sancho I ordered the construction of the first
walls in Valença, handing it over to the Bishop of Tui, D. Paio
Carramondo, for him to populate and build a church there.
Around 1212, a recently founded Contrasta is annihilated
by the army of Afonso IX. In 1217, D. Afonso II ordered its
repopulation, reconstructing its walls and granting it
foral privileges. In 1262, by diploma of the 2nd of August,
D. Afonso III confirms the foral privileges, in favor of Contrasta, by his father, changing its name to Valença.
Other kings such as D. João I and D. Manuel solidified its
population and ordered repairs to be exectuded on the
fortress’ walls. The 17th century was decisive: its third barrack
marks the beginning of the construction of the Obra Coroa (currently the Coroada), concluded in the middle of the 18th century,
time in which a liking is taken to the Magisterial Enclosure, according to the Marchal Vauban system. Ramparts, bastions, inner
fortress walls and ravelins were constructed.
the past
The present is profoundly marked by the traditional
commerce, which livens and brings colour to the old
fortress, especially during summer and festive occasions, the commerce and the act of buying becomes
a pleasurable and convenient experience. Valença also
extends its invitation to pleasant trips through its villages to admire its natural surroundings (Monte do Faro,
Furnas de Boivão, Parque da Nossa Senhora da Cabeça),
the Minho river... the gastronomy, the folklore.
the present