Day 6: Cossourado to Valenca-9 miles

Today was a relatively short day, but hot. Valenca is the last Portuguese city before we enter Spain. Time will move ahead one hour (6 hours earlier than EST).

We stayed the night at Casa da Capela, a lovely "B & B" in a little village, Pecene. This is a view from our window.






16th C church dedicated to St. Benedict of the Open Door


Possible still part of the original Roman military road.



Mountains of Glaicia in the distance.


Glasena, a Dutch woman who was traveling with her sister. They were more of the lovely pilgrims we have met and spent walking time with.



Glasena's younger sister, who walked with Allen for quite a ways this morning while Glasena and I walked a bit ahead.


We joined pilgrims at the cafe in the village, Fontoura.


A wonderful example of Portuguese people's kindness: a fine mist automatically sprays when somebody is seated. Allen with Petra, who I introduced on a earlier day.


We arrived at our hotel in Valenca around 1:30, and after a shower and rest, we walked across to Valenca Fortaleza. Located on a hilltop bordering Spain, the town and old town was contained within the fortress, surrounded by bulwarked walls. It was designed by architect Vaubun and built in the 17th C. The defense structure is two polygons and many different depths and widths. The two inner walls are connected by Middle Gates. It is a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage site and considered the largest, best-preserved fort in the world.

Below is more information for those who adore castles and medieval architecture (Alana)




View of Tui, Spain from the Fortaleza






Originally the Town Hall



Sao Teotonio statue


Inside Bom Jesus Military Chapel situation behind the statue above

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