VALENÇA
Valença
Valença is a town in the Alto Minho region, located next to the River Minho, which marks the natural border between Portugal and Spain. Valença and the neighbouring city of Tui, in Galicia, have always been marked by a strong sense of crossing, and they live in a relationship of proximity and communion, which is reflected in the cultural habits, traditions and daily life of their populations.
Valença's origins date back to the Palaeolithic period, with archaeological remains that show continuous occupation of the region throughout time. There are records from the Bronze Age and the Iron Age, and it was inhabited by various peoples, including the Greeks, the Celts and, later, the Romans. During Roman rule, the city was crossed by the Via XIX, one of the most important communication routes on the Iberian Peninsula.
Establishment of the Town
Early 13th century, by King Sancho I
Charter of King Afonso II in 1227
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No. of inhabitants (2021)
13 625
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Total area of the Fortress
38.14 HA
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Number of Gates and Bastions
6 Gates, 3 Poternas, 10 Bastions and 2 half Bastions
Specifications
At the beginning of Portuguese nationality, the town was known as Contrasta, a name believed to derive from its border position, in contrast to the Galician city of Tui. There was a castellum here, built to guard and protect the crossing of the Minho River.
The city continues to symbolise the union between two people, the Portuguese and the Galicians, and is a place where histories, traditions and cultures intersect. Valença is thus a city with a past, present and future, where historical heritage meets the dynamism of modern life.
Chronological Overview
3700 BC-3601 BC: The Roman consul Decimus Junius Brutus crossed the Minho River and camped in the vicinity of present-day Valença, which was then integrated into the Roman road network as a strategic point on the Via XIX.
301-800: With the fall of the Roman Empire, the region is occupied by Suevi and Visigoths, most notably King Witiza, who sets up his court in Tui.
997: Almansor, leader of Al-Andalus, destroys the Monastery of Ganfei; rebuilt in 1018 by Ganfredo.
1001-1100: Saint Teotónio, the first Portuguese saint, counsellor to King Afonso Henriques and a key figure in the founding of Portugal, is born in Ganfei.
1101-1200: After the Treaty of Tui (1137), King Afonso Henriques occupies the region; King Sancho I founds Contrasta, the future Valença, with a military and strategic function.
1211-1212: Afonso IX of León razes Contrasta; Afonso II rebuilds the fortification and repopulates the town.
1262: King Afonso III grants a charter and renames the town Valença, consolidating it as a frontier stronghold.
1201-1500: Valença strengthens its role in the defence of Minho with reforms by King Dinis and, later, King Afonso V creates the title of Marquis of Valença (1451).
1601-1700: With the War of Restoration (1640-1668), the town was transformed into a fortress under the direction of Michel de L'École.
1702-1714: During the War of the Spanish Succession, Valença strengthens its garrison and military infrastructure, consolidating its position as a key stronghold.
1809: Second French Invasion - the fortress is besieged by Soult and surrendered to avoid destruction, being looted for seven days.
1834: After years under Manuelist rule, Valença is reconquered by Luso-British liberal forces in the final stages of the Liberal Wars.
1847: Last significant military action, retaking of the square by Carthusian troops during the Patuleia.
1864: The Portugal-Spain Boundary Treaty recognises the cross-border nature of the River Miño and guarantees free movement between its banks.
1912: Valença repels an attack by Paiva Couceiro's Second Monarchy, symbolising resistance to the return of absolutism.
1928: The fortress is classified as a National Monument, marking the beginning of its heritage recognition.
2001-to day: Valença becomes a symbol of Luso-Galician identity and a tourist and cultural destination of excellence in the Minho-Galicia region.
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