FORTRESS OF VALENÇA
Valença
Valenca do Minho is, for various reasons, the most important walled settlement of the Alto Minho, dating back from Roman times.
In the seventeenth century, in the period of the Restoration of the Portuguese Independence Wars, an impressive fortification was built, taking advantage of the area’s topographic conditions, a majestic project that was assumed as a work of propaganda and threat against the neighbouring Spain.
However the village dates back from earlier times.
King Sancho I, in the 13th century donated these lands to Paio Carramundo, with the obligation of administration and settlement.