Fortress of Valença - Outside the walls | Portugal

Hi all :)

With this new share, i´m ending another brief visit, this time to the historic city of Valença.
In the previous article i had the opportunity to describe and share some images of the environment and life within the high walls of Fortress of Valença, today i take this time to share and describe some details about the surrounding area between and outside the fortress.

This jump to Valença was made during one of those sunny Sundays that timidly announce the arrival of Spring, and in fact the weather was favorable, not to mention wonderful! The sun was shining high in the blue sky, creating the perfect climate to explore the imposing walls up close and enjoy the panoramic views over the river Minho.
As soon as we arrived at the fortress, we were greeted by a lively and bustling atmosphere, which quickly highlighted the evidence that this historic site attracted many foreign tourists, who could be heard in the most varied languages chanted as we walked along a narrow cobbled street to the side, along a steep descent towards a dark tunnel that made its way through one of the walls giving access to the outer area of the complex.

What immediately impresses is the very well-preserved medieval architecture, built in the 17th century and which carries with it an immensity of ancient stories that resist time, making this place one of the biggest attractions in this area of the country.
As we walk along the walls, it's easy to imagine the historic battles that took place there and the strategic role they played in defending the border between Portugal and Spain.
Something also very well preserved are the green spaces that extend along and between the various walls, providing a very peaceful environment to enjoy a walk, relax in the shade of the trees or simply catch a glimpse of the views from the top of the walls looking over the River Minho, bathing the shores of two neighboring countries, with the Spanish city of Tui lurking in the distance.

Even now i still can't forgive myself for having decided not to take the Drone when we decided to continue our journey towards the north of the country.
The destination wasn't certain and for some reason i thought a few aerial shots wouldn't make a difference, but believe me, in this place a few aerial shots would have made all the difference.
For the same reason i have planned a new visit to this place, not only to carry out the necessary aerial recordings, but also to visit the neighboring city on the other side of the river.

Although we had planned to visit Tui that same day, unfortunately, for personal reasons, we were unable to make that visit. However, the fortress of Valença by itself provided an unforgettable experience.
In addition to the walk around the outside of the fortress, it was during the walk through the narrow alleys and charming squares inside the fortress that i came across several craft shops and local products, ending up not resisting and ending up buying some souvenirs to take home.
After going down narrow streets, passing through dark tunnels, climbing stairs to the top of the walls, watching birds and insects, it was time to return to the base, but with the promise of returning.

This was the last session of this brief visit to Valença.
This is our small country, full of places rich in history, always worth visiting.
I hope you enjoyed.
Don't miss the next trip :)

Photo by @aleister
Camera - Canon EOS 600D
Lens - EFS 18-55mm / 70-300mm
Location - Portugal

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Always remember:

Value your time, because every fraction counts, and the price of anything is the amount of life you trade for it.
May the memories of the travels be eternalized in the photographs, and may the photographs transport us back to the travels ;)