Viana do Castelo District Northern Portugal Portugal
0 People Like It
0 People Faved It
Tag It:
Valença origins date back from Roman times. The two existent Roman roads are the proof (the Via IV of Antonine Itinerary XIX, of military use, and the designated per loca marítima - Itinerary XX -, of commercial use). Also inside the fortified walls a Roman milestone marks the XLII mile of the road connecting Braga to Tui. This stronghold was populated by order of King Sancho I during the 12th century. It was called Contrasta which means "village opposed to another", Tui (Spain) in this case. King Afonso III changed its name to Valença in the 13th century. Its historical importance is mainly due to military constraints. It had a decisive role for the defense and integrity of Portugal from the neighbouring Spain. Today the town is peacefully invaded by the Spanish that visits it with commercial and touristic purposes, the Portuguese still use the fortress.
