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The ancient little town of Valença do Minho (13th C) lies on commanding heights above the left bank of the River Minho, which here forms the frontier between Spain and Portugal (frontier crossing by 2 bridges, one of them made by Eiffel). Nowadays there is hardly any sense of the past rivalry between the two states and there is a lively cross border traffic between Valença do Minho and Tui on the other side of the river. The old core of Valença do Minho is enclosed by the ramparts of its massive walls. Although the town was always strongly fortified, the present Fortaleza, or fort, is 17th C., in the Vauban style. From various points on the walls there are superb views over the "new" town, some way below, the Minho valley and the mountains of Galicia. .