Statistics
(Viana do Castelo) |
Area: 314 km2
Population
(may be an estimate):
90,654 (2004) |
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Valença
An ancient and attractive border town, the seat of the county, Valença, rises on a hilltop overlooking the river Minho and has two double-walled forts linked by a causeway in the Vauban (French engineer and arquitect) style.
The forts, dating from the 17th and 18th centuries, offer fine views across the river into neighbouring Tuy, in Spanish Galicia.
Surrounded by the walls and ramparts, the old quarter has picturesque cobbled alleys full of shops selling handicrafts of linen, pottery and wickerwork which are popular among tourists.
Valença exhibits other fine buildings, such as the Casa do Eirado (15th century), with a crenellated roof and Gothic window, or the Casa do Poço (well's house, 18th century) with fine wrought-iron balconies.
At about five kilometres (three miles) from the town, the Convent of Ganfei was rebuilt in the 11th century in the Romanesque style and is ornamented with animal and plant motifs.
Near Gandra, the castle of Fraião offers enchanting views over the course of the river Minho running to meet the sea at Caminha.
At Valença do Minho, the pousada of São Teotónio was installed within the old fort and presents wonderful views of the valley, across the river Minho to Tuy.
Nature offered the county natural reserves such as the marshes of Veiga de Mira, sheltering wild ducks and with beautiful woods of alders, rivers and streams abundant in fish such as salmon, trout, eels, lamprey and shad, or sites to relax and enjoy the river and verdant scenery, such as the Natural Park of Cristelo, excellent for water sports.
In terms of gastronomy, Valença boasts of local specialities such as roast kid and typical dishes of lamprey and cod.
Valença
4930 Valença
[ Viana do Castelo: monuments ]
[ Viana do Castelo: pictures ]
Portugal > Green Coast > Viana do Castelo
Portugal: monuments > Green Coast: monuments > Viana do Castelo: monuments
Valença
Some of the nearest hotels (near or around)
Hotel Lara ***
Avenida dos Bombeiros Voluntários - 4930 Valença
Hotel Porta do Sol ****
Avenida Dr. Dantas Carneiro, 1 - 4910 Caminha
Hotel do Parque ****
Praça da Galiza - 4900 Viana do Castelo
Hotel Aliança **
Avenida Combatentes da Grande Guerra - 4900 Viana do Castelo
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