"Contrasta, the village opposed to another" Valença by bambino36

Valença Travel Guide: 20 reviews and 29 photos

View over the Minho River, the bridge and Tui

This stronghold was populated by order of D. Sancho I during the 12th century. It was called Contrasta which means "village opposed to another", Tui (Spain) in this case. D. Afonso III changed it's name to Valença in the 13th century.
The interesting things to visit are mainly inside this fortress looking down to the Minho river and Spain.
Valença is located in the north of Portugal near the Minho river, 25 Km from the Atlantic Ocean

Last visit to Valença: Dec 2003
Intro Updated Sep 30, 2004
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Reviews (19)

Monte Faro Things to Do (17)

Besides the breath-taking views, there's a small park where the tree shadows are really helpfull to relax on a hot day more travel advice

Panoramic view from Monte Faro, Valença - Valença

Monte Faro Things to Do (17)

This mountain has a favored location. From the top it it's possible to admire the Minho river valley til the sea (if the... more travel advice

Old International Bridge, Valença - Valença

Old International Bridge Things to Do (17)

In 1879 Portugal and Spain agreed to construct this bi-functional (road and train) bridge. The bridge was built inspired... more travel advice

Cycling on a railroad line Sports & Outdoors (1)

Where once there was a railroad line today is a cycling track. It has 10Km long starting in Valença and ends in a nearby... more travel advice

Off The Beaten Path (1)
Poem on a tile

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Comments (3)

cachaseiro Apr 12, 2010 at 11:14 PM Report Abuse

great page mate. i am going to valenca today :O)
ncfg Oct 28, 2004 at 1:28 PM Report Abuse

Very nice page about Valença. It is a nice town, i was there several times. Well done!
micas_pt Oct 11, 2004 at 12:12 PM Report Abuse

I've driven past Valença several times and never visited. I guess next time I will surely stop!!