Barcelos

Barcelos is a town and municipality in the Braga district, situated on the north bank of the Cávado river in the Minho region. It is one of the most storied stops on the Camino Português, combining historical depth with a vibrant weekly market tradition dating back to at least the fifteenth century.

The town is internationally known for the legend of the Galo de Barcelos, a rooster that crowed to prove the innocence of an unjustly condemned pilgrim. The ceramic cockerel produced here has become one of Portugal’s most recognisable folk symbols. The town is also anchored by its medieval bridge over the Cávado, the ruined palace of the Counts of Barcelos, and the Gothic Cruzeiro do Senhor do Galo.

The Thursday market fills the large Campo da República and draws vendors and buyers from across the region.