Monção City Walls and Old Town
The Monção city walls are located on the banks of the River Minho; the Fort of Salvaterra rises up on the other bank, on the Galician side. Take a walk along the perimeter of the walls and enjoy the magnificent views of the river and its surrounding area, and also visit the A Canuda Park and thermal baths. You won’t be able to resist going down to further explore this delightful park.
Feel like you’re part of the history of Monção while you breathe the mediaeval air of the fortress, with works dating back to the reign of King Denis of Portugal who, involved in a prolonged war with Castile, had this castle extended to include a keep and a barbican around the town. Later, during the Restoration Wars, the medieval wall and castle gave way to a Vauban-type fortification.
Currently, there is little left of the primitive castle built by Denis of Portugal – only one part can be seen, next to the Néris walkway. Nearby is the arsenal, covered with granite slabs and surrounded by a high wall. Still standing are the Salvaterra, Rosal and As Caldas portals, all worth visiting.
