Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Barcelos, Portugal

West of Braga, Barcelos is a charming medieval town with a rich cultural heritage. This identity is enhanced by artisan traditions such as pottery, and the Galo de Barcelos, an ornamental rooster that symbolizes Portugal. The weekly market held on Thursdays ranks among Portugal’s largest and, along with fresh produce, serves as a treasure trove for souvenir seekers, featuring traditional, handmade “figurados,” painted galos, reed baskets, and much more.

For sightseeing, visitors can explore a medieval tower, several churches dating from the medieval era to the Baroque period, and the solemn ruins of a palace once inhabited by the Dukes of Braganza.

Let’s explore the best activities to engage in Barcelos:

1. Torre do Cimo da Vila

In the medieval era, due to the road structures and topography, anyone traveling through this region from North to South was required to pass through this gate.

Barcelos never possessed its own castle; however, in the 1400s, the Count of Barcelos augmented the town’s defenses by erecting three square towers constructed from formidable granite stones.

This tower remains as the last of its kind, and after it ceased to serve its defensive purpose, it functioned as a prison until the 1930s. Presently, it serves as a center for local artisan crafts.

Entry is free, and there is an elevator that allows visitors to access the top for panoramic views of the center of Barcelos and the surrounding mountains.

2. Museu de Olaria

Barcelos has long been recognized for its pottery, especially “figurado,” which comprises whimsical figurines with exaggerated features that depict traditional farmers, folk musicians, and characters from nativity scenes.

This museum features a collection of figurado, many created by the renowned ceramicist Rosa Ramalho, a lifelong resident of Barcelos until her passing in 1977. Furthermore, diverse pottery styles from not only other regions of Portugal but also former Portuguese colonies such as Cape Verde, Angola, and Timor can be explored.

A video demonstrating how local potters transform clay into art is also available for viewing.

3. Paço dos Condes de Barcelos

Afonso I, Duke of Braganza, commissioned the construction of this Gothic fortified palace in the 15th century, marking it as the most opulent building in the town.

Situated above the Cávado River, it served as an extravagant residence for the Braganza family.

By the 18th century, the palace suffered damages from the 1755 earthquake and was abandoned, leading to the collapse of its tower and roof in 1801. Nowadays, it remains a fragment, characterized by a few walls, pointed archways, mullioned windows, and a tall tubular chimney echoing the design found in the esteemed Braganza Palace in Guimarães; nonetheless, it is enjoyable to explore.

This site features a crucifix with a notable backstory, which will be discussed later.

The ruins are recognized as a National Monument, offering a glimpse into the power exerted by the Dukes of Braganza.

4. Igreja Matriz de Barcelos

A short distance from the palace ruins lies Barcelos’ primary church, which commenced construction in the 1200s during the transition from Romanesque to Gothic architectural styles.

The entrance portal, originating from the 13th century, features an ogival arch framed by archivolts adorned with fleurs de lys and rosettes.

Above this, a rose window exhibits exquisite stained glass that illustrates Jesus and the twelve apostles.

Within the naves, striking 18th-century decorations include blue and white azulejos depicting historical scenes and biblical episodes.

5. Barcelos’ Weekly Market

Despite Barcelos’s modest size, its weekly open-air market is significant, attracting shoppers from far and wide.

Numerous stalls fill the Campo da República every Thursday for one of the largest and most authentic markets in Portugal, boasting a history that dates back to medieval times.

Visitors in the summer months are advised to arrive early to avoid crowds.

While fresh produce is abundant, the market functions primarily as a large souvenir shop, showcasing traditional Minho region crafts such as pottery, handwoven baskets and bags, in addition to the Rooster of Barcelos, which will be discussed next.

6. Galo de Barcelos

The tale of the Rooster of Barcelos, recognized globally as a symbol of Portugal, narrates the story of a Galician who was wrongfully accused of theft and sentenced to execution.

He asserts his innocence, requesting an audience with the judge, who encounters him whilst he is feasting on a roasted rooster.

The Galician asserts that he is as innocent as “this rooster will crow when I am hanged.” The rooster indeed crows at his execution, leading to his miraculous survival and eventual freedom, with him returning later to the Paço dos Condes to sculpt the crucifix still visible today.

Therefore, Barcelos is the ideal location to purchase this iconic rooster as a souvenir!

7. Ponte de Barcelos

Positioned at the ancestral southern entrance to Barcelos, the medieval bridge completes a picturesque view beneath the Paço dos Condes ruins, while linking with Barcelinhos on the opposite bank.

The bridge’s construction commenced in the 1320s under the direction of the third Count of Barcelos, Pedro Afonso, establishing it as a vital landmark for pilgrims journeying to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia along the Way of St James.

When the tower of the palace collapsed in 1801, it caused part of the bridge to be destroyed, necessitating significant reconstruction on the right bank.

8. Igreja de Vilar de Frades

Another of Barcelos’ prominent national monuments is this exquisite church located in the parish of Areais de Vilar.

This structure was part of a Benedictine monastery established in the 6th century, which was destroyed by the Moors and subsequently rebuilt in the Romanesque style during the 1000s.

While elements from the 11th century still remain, it is the later Gothic and Manueline craftsmanship that draws attention.

Visitors often find themselves gazing upward in awe at the remarkable ribbed vaulting in the nave, main chapel, and side chapels.

Furthermore, the main portal warrants admiration for its intricate masonry details in its pillars and archivolts, adorned with plant motifs and grotesques dating back to around the 1520s.

9. Pelourinho de Barcelos

Located by the river near the remnants of the palace, Barcelos’ pillory stands as a testament to justice and legality in historic Portuguese towns, and it is regarded as one of the finest in the country.

It is situated within a geometric riverside garden, constructed towards the conclusion of the Gothic period in the late 1400s.

The hexagonal pillar features an intricately detailed lantern at the top, along with decorative ribbonwork on the capital below.

10. Monte da Franqueira

This hill, located near Barcelos, is crowned with a 16th-century hermitage, which serves as the site of a pilgrimage each August. Hundreds of locals ascend the stairway to pay tribute at the shrine of Nossa Senhora da Franqueira.

This location is worth visiting throughout the year, primarily for its breathtaking views of the coastline from Esponsende to Póvoa de Varzim, the final bends of the Cávado River, Barcelos, and the eastern vista towards Braga and the iconic Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary.

Visitors can enter the hermitage to view the shrine and explore the surrounding hillsides dotted with historical ruins.

11. Castelo de Faria

Hidden beneath dense pine forest on a promontory at Monte Franqueira lie the haunting ruins of a medieval castle.

This site is only a short distance from the summit of the hill and its hermitage, with historical ties to Portugal’s inaugural king, Afonso Henriques.

The castle also functioned as a critical stronghold during the numerous conflicts with Galicia and Spain before falling into disuse in the 1500s.

Even after centuries, the Romanesque keep and three lines of walls remain identifiable.

Around 300 years prior to the Roman arrival, this site was identified as a Celtic castro, as evidenced by the remaining circular foundations.

12. Igreja do Bom Jesus da Cruz

More contemporary than the churches previously mentioned, this 18th-century structure exemplifies Baroque architecture.

One of Portugal’s foremost architects of the era, João Antunes, was commissioned for the project, resulting in the church being completed within just five years, from 1705 to 1710. The architectural features showcase distinct elements of the Portuguese baroque, including a blend of whitewashing and exposed granite on the facade, alongside the campanile positioned above the portal.

The nave is adorned with classic blue and white azulejos depicting vegetal motifs and scenes from the Passion.

Additionally, delicate gilded woodwork surrounds an older life-sized oak statue of Christ, sculpted in Flanders during the 1500s.

13. Horseback Riding

The Centro Hípico Ir Pedro Coelho was established in Vilar de Frades in 2009 and encompasses a vast facility catering to various equestrian disciplines.

Every May and September, it holds an international show-jumping tournament within its arena, featuring over 150 competitors.

A smaller national competition is also scheduled for April.

In addition, the facility offers horseback riding experiences throughout the year.

The center organizes brief excursions into the picturesque countryside east of Barcelos, which are available for participants of nearly all ages and can be conducted without prior experience.

14. Days Out

The surrounding landscape of Barcelos possesses numerous attractions: In addition to Monte da Franqueira, three other hilltops in the municipality feature panoramic terraces (Monte de Facho, Monte de São Gonçalo, and Monte de Airó), all ready for exploration by foot or by bike.

Meandering past these hills, the Cávado River is broad, clean, and teeming with wildlife, including birds and otters.

The river offers several beaches along its course, and kayaks can be rented around Areias de Vilar.

If a beach day is desired, Esposende boasts a lagoon and an untamed Atlantic shoreline bordered by dunes.

Conversely, Braga is renowned for its Baroque palaces and sanctuaries situated in elevated locations.

15. Food and Drink

For those eager to sample traditional local cuisine, you will be pleased to discover that it is straightforward and accessible.

Given its proximity to the coast, fish and seafood are integral components of the diet, including deep-fried cod, grilled sardines, baked cod, lamprey rice, and roasted octopus.

Cozido à portuguesa is a slow-cooked stew featuring various vegetables such as turnips, cabbage, beans, and carrots, complemented by assorted cuts of pork, chicken, and cured sausages like Portuguese chorizo and blood sausage.

Additionally, there is caldo verde, a vegetable soup, roasted kid, barbecued entrecôte steak, roasted rabbit, and chicken with rice, among many other delicious options.

The seafood and lighter fare harmonize beautifully with the fresh vinho verde from the Minho region.