The Valença fortress is part of the Bulwarked Fortifications of the “Raia” Route, which presented its candidacy for UNESCO World Heritage in March 2023. It’s here, inside this 17th-century fortification, that we find the Valença Pousada.
Dating back to 1962, the building was designed by the Porto architect, João Andresen, who was inspired by local elements for its construction. Granite, often used for manor houses in the Minho area, is a dominant feature of the façade, which recalls the well-known Soajo granaries.
The fortress of Valença is part of the Rota das Fortalezas Abaluartadas da Raia.
The building bears the signature of the Porto architect João Andresen, who also designed the velvet armchairs.
The granite, typical of the Minho manors, is not only dominant on the facade but also present in the interior of the Pousadas.
All rooms, from standard to superior with a terrace, offer views of the Minho River and the town of Tui.
The oak furniture pays tribute to the pousada’s Minho origins. However, despite the classic decor, certain avant-garde details catch the eye, such as Andresen’s velvet armchairs, which were inspired by the famous Lady furniture, by the Italian modernist designer and architect Marco Zanuso.
All the rooms (from standard to superior with terrace) enjoy a view of the river Minho and the town of Tui, whose cathedral punctuates the landscape. The bar garden, which welcomes guests and non-guests alike, provides a good view of the surrounding border area.
The pousada restaurant serves traditional and regional cuisine, including the ever-popular São Teotónio cod, which is prepared au gratin in the oven with mayonnaise and considered a classic Valença recipe. Don’t forget to try the borrachinhos, one of the town’s traditional sweets.
Essentials
Valença Pousada
Sleep inside a fortress where all rooms have a view of the Minho River.
