Valença, Portugal

Infobox_Municipality_pt
official_name = Valença


image_coat_of_arms = VLC.png

---

Region = Norte
Subregion = Minho-Lima
District = Viana do Castelo
Mayor_name = José Rodrigues
Mayor_party = PS
area_total = 117.1
population_total = 14,324 (2006)
population_density = 122.3
Parishes = 16
coor = 42º01'N 8º38'W
params = 42_01_N_8_38_W
occasion =
day = February 18
website = http://www.cm-valenca.pt
footnotes =

Valença (pron. IPA2|vɐ'lesɐ), also known as "Valença do Minho", is a municipality in Portugal with a total area of 117.1 km² and a total population of 14,324 inhabitants (2006). Fact|date=September 2007

The municipality is composed of 16 parishes, and is located in the district of Viana do Castelo.

The present Mayor is José Luís Serra Rodrigues, elected by the Socialist Party.

The municipal holiday is February 18.

Parishes

* Arão
* Boivão
* Cerdal
* Cristelo Covo
* Fontoura
* Friestas
* Gandra
* Ganfei
* Gondomil
* Sanfins
* São Julião
* São Pedro da Torre
* Silva
* Taião
* Valença
* Verdoejo

General info

Valença is a walled town located on the left bank of Minho River, approximately 25 km from the Atlantic Ocean. The municipality is limited to the north with Minho River establishing the border with Spain, to south-southeast with the municipality of Paredes de Coura, to southwest with Vila Nova de Cerveira and to the east with Monção.Linked to the wall rises the new quarter, where buildings such as social facilities, schools, the stadium and sports centre, the health care centre, the municipal market and the municipal swimming pools are located.Concerning cuisine, Valença offers genuine delicacies such as "Lampreia à Minhota" (lamprey), "Cabrito à Sanfins" (kid), "Bacalhau à São Teotónio" (dried codfish) and "Empanada" (meat or fish pie).

History

Valença origins date back from Roman times. The two existent roman roads are the proof (the Via IV of Antonine Itinerary XIX, of military use, and the designated per loca marítima - Itinerary XX -, of commercial use). Also inside the fortified walls a Roman milestone marks the XLII mile of the road connecting Braga to Tui.This stronghold was populated by order of King Sancho I during the 12th century. It was called "Contrasta" which means "village opposed to another", Tui (Spain) in this case. King Afonso III changed its name to Valença in the 13th century.It's historical importance is mainly due to military constraints. It had a decisive role for the defense and integrity of Portugal from the neighbouring Spain.Today the town is peacefully invaded by the Spanish that visits it with commercial and touristic purposes.

Attractions

*The fortress:The most interesting things to visit are mainly inside the fortress that looks down to the Minho River and Spain. They have been destroyed several times whether it were the Barbarians, the Arabs, the armies of Asturias and Leon or even the French troops in the 19th century, they have always been restored and still very well preserved.:Valença's fortress is a piece of gothic and baroque military architecture. The first walls were built in the 13th century. It was upgraded during the 17th and 18th century forming the present bulwarked system. It is placed on top of two small hills and it's formed by two polygons (the "Recinto Magistral" and the "Coroada") separated by a ditch and with four doors ("Coroada", "Gaviarra", "Fonte da Vila" and "Sol"). The main entrance is "Porta do Sol" (Sun's door). This door was damaged during the Napoleonic invasions.
*The old international bridge:In 1879 Portugal and Spain agreed to construct a bi-functional (road and train) bridge. The bridge was built inspired in Eiffel works. The bridge is still in use although a new bridge was built south of the older one.

*Roman milestone:Located inside the fortress this milestone dates back from the 1st century AD. It has the following inscription: :TIBERIUS CLAUDIUS CAESER AUGUSTUS GERMANICUS PONTIFEX MAXIMUS. IMPERATOR V CONSUL III, TRIBUNICIA POTESTATE III. PATER PATRIAE BRACARA XLII.:It marks 42 miles distance on the road from Braga to Tui and the Emperor Claudius ordered it's construction when the Via IV of Antonine was rebuilt.

*Church of Saint Stephen:A romanic church built during the 13th century and a neo-classic rebuilt during the 18th century. Inside several panels representing scenes Saint Stephen life can be admired.

*Church of Saint Mary of Angels:Romanic church buitl during the 12th century. The popular decoration and the ceiling are the eye-catcher.

*The cannons:Along the north wall several old cannons very well maintained are positioned pointing to the river and Spain as if to remind of their old purpose.

*Statue of "São Teotónio":"São Teotónio" was the first Portuguese Saint. Born near Valença, in Ganfei, he was the confessor of King Afonso Henriques. He is the village patron saint.

Photo gallery

Notes

External links

* [http://www.cm-valenca.pt Municipality official website]
* [http://www.pousadasofportugal.com/portugal/pousada/valenca-do-minho.html Pousada Valença do Minho]
* [http://www.casadopocopalace.com/ Casa do Poço Palace]
* [http://homepage.oninet.pt/534mtz/ Quinta Grande Raposeira]
* [http://www.esec-valenca.rcts.pt/index.htm Escola Secundária de Valença (Valença High School)] - Website in Portuguese
* [http://www.interminho.pt/index_is_ok.html Parque Empresarial de Valença] - Website in Portuguese
* [http://www.radiovalenca.com/ Valença Radio 91.7] - Website in Portuguese