Valença Fortress

Valença Fortress stands high above the Minho, looking across to Tui in Galicia. The Romans already used the hill as a fort above the river crossing; the present fortress dates mostly from the 17th and 18th centuries and follows the model of Vauban. About 5 km of walls enclose two polygons, the older Magistral with the historic centre and the Coroada, separated by a moat. There are 10 bastions and 5 ravelins. Inside is a living town with houses, shops and churches. In 1809 Napoleonic troops under Soult took the fortress, the only time it was captured by an outside force.

The walk along the ramparts, with views of Tui and the old bridge over the Minho that goes back to an agreement of 1879, is the highlight; allow one to two hours. Explore the inside on foot. Some hotels, including the pousada in the fortress, offer parking.