Vila Nova de Famalicão, Municipality in Braga District, Portugal
Vila Nova de Famalicão is a municipality in the Braga region of northern Portugal, made up of 34 civil parishes with around 130,000 residents. The town spreads across urban neighborhoods and countryside areas, with 13 museums including the house of writer Camilo Castelo Branco and the Portuguese Centre of Surrealism.
The settlement received its first charter from King Sancho I in 1205, and became an independent municipality in 1835 after separating from Barcelos. This split marked a turning point that allowed the area to develop its own identity and governance.
The Textile Industry Museum of Ave Basin shows the main craft traditions that have shaped the region for centuries. Walking through displays of old looms, you understand how these trades supported entire families across generations.
The motorways A3 and A7 connect the town to larger cities and make travel to neighboring regions straightforward. Regular train services link to Porto, Braga, and other places in the region, so you can get around without a car if you prefer.
The town is one of Portugal's leading exporters in textiles, automotive parts, and metal work. This industrial heritage is visible throughout the area in numerous workshops and factories that dot the landscape.
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