Torre da Porta Nova, Fortified tower in Barcelos, Portugal.
Torre da Porta Nova is a granite stone tower located at the entrance of Barcelos' historic center, with walls reaching two meters in thickness at its gateway. The structure contains multiple levels and now operates as a craft center.
The tower was built between 1401 and 1461 under Count Afonso of Barcelos as a fortified structure at the town's entrance. From the late 16th century until the 20th century, it served as a prison.
The tower now houses a craft center where regional artisanal products and cultural exhibitions showcase the traditions of the area. Visitors can see how local craftspeople continue these practices today.
The tower is open Monday through Friday with adjusted hours on weekends and holidays. Visitors may encounter longer wait times when multiple groups are present at the same time.
From the upper level of the tower, visitors can see across the historic center, the Cávado river, and Monte de Franqueia. This vantage point reveals the geographic relationship between the town and its surroundings in a way that is hard to appreciate from ground level.
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