Igreja de Santo Estevão

The Minho


This 14th-century edifice inside the fortaleza, with its neoclassical facade, is one of Valença's best preserved churches.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby The Minho attractions

1. Roman Milestone

0.02 MILES

This 1st-century Roman milestone inside the fortaleza is a remnant from the old Braga–Astorga road.

2. Fortaleza de Valença

0.05 MILES

Valença's fortaleza is in fact two fortresses, bristling with bastions, watchtowers, massive gateways and defensive bulwarks, connected by a single bridge…

3. Casa da Eira

0.05 MILES

Opposite the post office, the Casa da Eira has a handsome Manueline window somewhat marred by a horrendous corrugated tin room that peeks above the…

4. Igreja de Santa Maria dos Anjos

0.08 MILES

Dating from 1276, this now-decrepit Romanesque parish church inside the fortaleza has a tiny chapel at the back with Romano-Gothic inscriptions on the…

5. Catedral de Santa Maria

1 MILES

The highlight of the old town is the fortress-like Catedral de Santa Maria. Begun in the 12th century, it reflects a stoic Romanesque style in most of its…

7. Parque Natural Monte Aloia

3.93 MILES

This 746-sq-km protected area covers the forest-clothed hill Monte Aloia (631m) which has several panoramic viewpoints and well-marked, not-too-demanding…

8. Palácio da Brejoeira

7.75 MILES

On the N101, 5km south of Monção, this grand early 19th-century neoclassical palace has been open to the public since 2010. Visits are by guided tour only…