This Pousada Hotel is in the fortified town of Valenca with magnificent
views of the hills, river plains and the border towns of Spain and Portugal.
From the bedrooms there is a
superb view down to the tranquil River Minho which is crossed by a two
level road and rail bridge which was designed by the famous engineer Gustaf
Eiffel during his period in Portugal.
On the other side of the
river stands the Spanish town of Tuy (Tui) with its beautiful Cathedral
built on top of a small hill.
The 17th Century 'Fortaleza'
in which the Pousada is situated has double walls in the style of the French
military architect Vauban.
The Valenca do Minho Pousada
is a modern building built from traditional granite of the region.
It is in the inner
fort which is accessed through a small gate into the outer fort and then
through more gates to the inner fortifications.
Within the fort is the old
town whose residents were protected from a Spanish Invasion in years gone
by.
Nowadays the inhabitants
are responsible for a new Spanish Invasion as the town is full of small shops
selling items, particularly textiles, of interest to their Spanish neighbours.
There is a small lawned garden
which is part of the fortifications.
The River Minho is one of
the most beautiful in Portugal and is navigable from the Pousada down to
the sea at Caminha. It has many interesting towns along its banks.
The Pousada is convenient
for the main north highway in Portugal which continues across the river
to the city of Vigo in Spain and also the famous pilgrimage city of Santiago
de Compostela.
The delightful resort of
Baiona (Bayona) is also well worth a visit.
The only National Park in Portugal Peneda-Geres is also not to be missed.
For golfers the nearest courses
can be seen at Northern Golf Courses.
The Pousada has 18 bedrooms
some with views over the River Minho and mountains.
The bedrooms all have private
bathroom, air conditioning, telephone, Cable television, mini-bar and hair
dryer.
Facilities at the Pousada
include restaurant, bar, terrace, 2 non-smoking rooms and parking.
Dining in Portugal is usually
very good. The restaurants of the Pousada group hotels offer a variety
of dishes including a selection of local and regional specialities.
The international airport
at Porto (Oporto) is approximately 116 kilometers from this Pousada of
Portugal.
An alternative is Vigo airpoirt
in Spain which is approximately 40 kilometes from the Pousada.
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