A stronghold named Contrasta was built in the early 13th century to counterbalance Tui (hence the name) on the other side of the river Minho, which is still the frontier between present-day Portugal and Spain. At that time, relations were quite strained between Portugal and its neighbours Galicia and León. The settlement was renamed from Contrasta to Valença ('bravery') in 1262. Throughout the centuries, it served a decisive role in defending Portugal from various Spanish kingdoms.
When continuing from Valença to Tui and beyond, bear in mind that there is a one-hour time difference between Portugal in Spain, the former being in the same time zone as the United Kingdom, and the latter being in the same time zone as most of continental Europe.
What to see in Valença
Fortaleza
The 13th century fortress received its current and very well-preserved look, with the addition of bulwarks, ramparts and bastions, in the 17th and 18th centuries, in the Vauban style. It consists of two separate forts (the Praça and the Coroada), separated by a ditch and four gates. Several old cannons are still on display along the wall facing Tui.
