Centro Histórico de Valença

Within Valença's Fortress Square, you can admire its beautiful historic center, from the Old Metal Bridge to the Milestone, passing by numerous religious monuments, such as the Collegiate Church of Saint Stephen, the Church of Mercy, and the Parish Church of Saint Mary of the Angels. Valença began to gain importance during the Middle Ages, when it was a mandatory stop on pilgrimages to Santiago de Compostela. But it was in the military domain that Valença became famous. It was an important defensive stronghold, a bastion of nationality, often besieged by neighboring Spain. The Valença fortress was built in the 18th century, inspired by Vauban's bastion system.