Valença: Fortress, River and Cultural Heritage

The fortress, a Roman milestone and the town’s river connections show the variety Valença offers as a destination. In addition to cultural monuments, a protected area, fishermen’s memories and the annual market in Cerdal provide possible reasons to visit.

Fortress, Roman Road and Romanesque Heritage

The Fortaleza de Valença preserves four gates and twelve bastions, built in different periods. The layout of the gates and bastions and the different construction phases offer two specific ways to explore the structure. From the Baluarte de Santa Ana, there are sweeping panoramic views of the Fortaleza’s two walled sections and Galicia. Here, views of the fortress’s structure complement vistas extending beyond its walled sections.

The Pelourinho de Valença consists of a milestone of Emperor Tiberius Claudius, which marked the Roman road between Braga, Tuy and Lugo. Unlike the fortress, this monument points to a specific road connection. The Igreja de São Fins de Friestas offers another perspective on the cultural heritage: it is an important Romanesque monument where the lasting Galician influence is especially evident. For pilgrims, a different sense of direction applies: Valença marks the start of the Caminhos de Fátima when the Caminho Português Central is travelled in the opposite direction.

The Minho, Protected Area and Trails

The Estuário dos Rios Minho e Coura Special Area of Conservation stretches from Valença to the mouth of the Minho and includes a small adjoining marine area. Its geographical scope therefore extends from the river to its estuary and includes a limited marine area. For nature lovers, this connection to the landscape complements the historical themes of the fortress and monuments.

The Centro de Promoção do Rio Minho is located at Senhora da Cabeça in Cristelo Covo. Its sections cover Natura 2000, river gastronomy, the Lanço da Cruz, the River Minho, fishing and recreation by the river. There is also a section on the river’s living memory, featuring firsthand accounts from fishermen. Nature, food culture, fishing and recreation thus offer different ways to explore the centre’s themes. The Centro de Interpretação de Sanfins is located in the Mosteiro de Sanfins. The Ecopista do Rio Minho in the Valença area is intended for cycling tourism and walks.

An Annual Event in Cerdal

The Feira Anual dos Santos takes place in Cerdal every year on 1 and 2 November. As a recurring annual event, it offers a specific date to factor into travel plans. The fair has more than 400 stalls selling clothing, tableware and shoes; the number may vary from one edition to another. There are also food stalls, livestock sales, sales of agricultural products and machinery, amusement parks and other attractions. The combination of market stalls, agriculture and entertainment makes the fair a different reason to visit from the cultural monuments and river connections.

Culinary Connections in Valença

Associated with the Feira Anual dos Santos is Pericos dos Santos, a speciality made exclusively in Valença. Lampreia is also available to taste in Valença, prepared in five ways: Arroz de Lampreia, à Bordalesa, Assada no Forno, Recheada and Seca. These five names offer a specific insight into the different preparation methods. Together with the speciality associated with the fair, they provide several culinary themes to consider when planning a trip.

If you are looking for a hotel for a trip to Valença, the reason for your visit can help shape your plans: the fortress and monuments offer different aspects of the cultural heritage, the Minho themes focus on nature and river connections, and the fair in Cerdal adds a recurring event to the calendar.

Discover more destinations: Valença, Ganfei, Cerdal, Arão, Melgaço, Viana Do Castelo, Ponte Da Barca, Caminha.

Return to the main travel overview: Viana Do Castelo.