Fortresses of the Raia: Almeida, Marvão and Valença submit UNESCO applications

The councils of Almeida, Marvão and Valença do Minho formalised the joint candidacy of the Bastioned Fortresses of the Raia for UNESCO World Heritage status, which was presented on 4 June 2024 to the president of the UNESCO National Commission, Ambassador José Moraes Cabral, at a ceremony at the Centre for the Study of Military Architecture, in Almeida's main square.

The proposal highlights a set of profound historical and cultural values, emphasising the oldest border in the world between Portugal and Castile, represented by these strategically aligned fortresses. According to João Campos, coordinator of the application, the focus goes beyond the physical structures - it emphasises the intangible heritage, the result of the transmission of knowledge and military diplomacy that flourished on the border, with treaties and engineering that marked European culture. The application also emphasises the peaceful nature of the Portuguese border - built during times of conflict, but since then marked by feelings of cooperation and stability.

The vast territory of the Raia, comparable in size only to the border between Russia and Finland in Europe, is emphasised as a monumental work from a heritage point of view. The cross-border nature of the initiative is clear: the proposal, which involves the municipalities of Almeida (Guarda), Marvão (Portalegre) and Valença (Viana do Castelo), includes future historical assets on the Spanish side, paving the way for a broad, collaborative application. The highly demanding and complex process required continuous coordination between three local authorities and represents a significant collective effort.

Scheduled to be submitted in Paris in 2025, the dossier will be assessed by international experts and will then be decided by the World Heritage Committee.