Barcelos

Barcelos is a city in northern Portugal in the Minho region with medieval roots, cobblestone streets, and houses decorated with colorful tiles. The compact city center is easy to walk through, with historic churches, squares, and the old stone bridge over the Cávado River close together.

The city received its first official documents from King Afonso Henriques, Portugal's first king, and became important in the 1400s as the home of the first Duke of Bragança. An earthquake in the 1700s damaged the palace, but the city preserved its medieval walls and bridges to this day.

The legend of the Galo de Barcelos, a colorful rooster that proved a pilgrim's innocence, deeply shapes how locals see their city and appears throughout daily life in ceramics, crafts, and celebrations. This story connects residents to their past and gives meaning to the handmade goods sold at markets and in shops around town.

The city is easy to explore on foot since the center is small and compact, with bus lines connecting different parts of town for longer trips. An umbrella is especially useful during winter months when rain is common.

Every Thursday a large market takes place where farmers and artisans sell goods, a tradition dating back to medieval times that keeps the community alive. This weekly market draws visitors from across the region and offers insight into the real life of the city.