The Portas do Sol are one of the entrances to the fortification of Valença, built in the 17th century, and built to cope with struggles for independence. Also called Santiago doors, the doors of the Sun have Postern in round arch, flanked by two arched doorways and Windows of the same profile.

This building was first the Real Academia da Marinha do Comércio, (Navy and Commerce Royal Academy), then the Academia Politécnica (Polytechnic Academy) that later became the Sciences Faculty. Its construction began before the first French invasion and finished in the XIX century, at the same spot where a former XVII century used to be: the Graça Church, annex to the Recolhimento dos Orfãos, founded in 1651 by the father Baltasar Guedes. The temple still existed during the city siege and, at that time, abandoned, it became a blood hospital. In the middle of the last century, it was demolished to …

Calm and pleasant place, with a very pleasant surrounding area. It has some tables and benches for picnics.