Tucked into the lush landscape of northern Portugal, the city of Barcelos offers a blend of folklore, tradition, art, and historical charm that captivates visitors from the moment they arrive.
Most famous for its colorful rooster, Barcelos is much more than just a legend; it’s a living, breathing expression of Portuguese identity. With a rich 15th-century heritage, thriving ceramic workshops, and scenic views of the surrounding countryside, this riverside city is a must-visit destination when traveling through the north of Portugal.
As we were roadtripping through Northern Portugal, a follower suggested we stop in and take a look. We definitely could not resist. We took advantage of our free day and drove over to check it out.
Feel free to use our Google Map for Barcelos. Everything mentioned in the article is pinned on the map.
The Legend of the Barcelos Rooster
No trip to Barcelos is complete without learning the legend of the Barcelos rooster, a tale as vibrant as the ceramic figures that now represent it. According to the story, a Galician pilgrim on his way to Santiago de Compostela was wrongfully accused of theft and sentenced to hang. As a final request, he asked to see the judge who had condemned him. Brought before the judge during a banquet, the pilgrim pointed to a roasted rooster on the table and declared, “It will crow to prove my innocence.”
Unsurprisingly, no one believed him—until the rooster miraculously stood up and crowed. The astonished judge raced to the gallows to find the pilgrim alive, the rope having slipped. The man was freed and later returned to Barcelos to carve a cross in honor of his deliverance.
Today, the Galo de Barcelos is a national symbol of good luck, honesty, and justice. It adorns everything from kitchen tiles to souvenir T-shirts, and seeing it in its hometown brings the legend to life in the most meaningful way.
A Walk Through the Historic Center
The historic center of Barcelos is compact and easy to explore on foot, with cobbled lanes and terracotta rooftops that transport you straight to the medieval era. Start at Largo da Porta Nova, the main square, where traditional markets still bustle with local life every Thursday.
This isn’t just any market—it’s one of the oldest and largest open-air markets in Portugal, a fantastic place to browse handmade pottery, woven goods, local produce, and yes—plenty of rooster-themed keepsakes. We, unfortunately, missed it this year because we had to be in the Douro Valley on Thursday, but we will be back to check it out!
Igreja do Bom Jesus da Cruz de Barcelos
The first place we saw was the Igreja do Senhor Bom Jesus da Cruz de Barcelos. The beautiful church is located in the main square, directly across from the market, and is open to visitors. As usual, Beth could not resist, so we stepped inside to revel in its beauty. It was also much cooler inside.
This Baroque church was built in the early 18th century on the site of a miraculous cross said to have appeared in 1504. Its elegant granite-and-white façade, blue-and-white azulejos, and ornate gilded interior make it a highlight of the historic center, especially during the colorful Festa das Cruzes each May.
Torre Medieval de Barcelos
Diagonally across from the church is the Medieval tower or New Gate Tower, as it is also called. This tower was built in the early 15th century by D. Afonso, the 8th Count of Barcelos and the 1st Duke of Brangança, as part of the city walls to fortify Barcelos.
Today, it is a museum of art, and you can climb to the top to get great views of the city. We did this after our climb of Bom Jesus do Monte in Braga, and man, my legs hurt! There is a lift that will take you up to the 3rd floor, but you have to take the stairs to the roof to get the full views.
From the square, stroll toward the remains of the medieval bridge (Ponte Medieval de Barcelos), which spans the Cávado River. The bridge, originally built in the 14th century and remodeled in the 15th century, offers peaceful river views and is one of the most photogenic spots in town.
We took our picture of the bridge from the ruins of the Paço dos Condes de Barcelos, the Palace of the Counts of Barcelos, which dates back to the early 1400s. Though partially destroyed in an earthquake, the site is beautifully preserved and now houses the city’s archaeological museum. Among its most notable pieces is the stone cross said to have been carved by the pilgrim from the rooster legend.
Make sure you make your way back up to the city center to the shopping district. Although it is not as eclectic as the Thursday market, there are some great places to buy ceramics, clothes, and all sorts of souvenirs. Our niece, Katey, especially loved the choices.
Ceramic Workshops and Local Craftsmanship
Barcelos is widely regarded as the ceramics capital of northern Portugal. For centuries, artisans here have crafted clay into everyday tools and decorative pieces, many of which feature the bright colors and patterns now associated with Portuguese folk art.
Today, you can visit the Museu de Olaria to see many works of art, as well as visit the numerous ceramic workshops to see potters at work and even try your hand at molding and painting a piece of your own.
These workshops aren’t just tourist stops—they’re integral to the city’s cultural fabric. Whether it’s a classic Barcelos rooster, a delicate tile, or a traditional jug, each piece tells a story passed down through generations.
Pro Tip: The museum is closed on Mondays, so be sure to check your calendar.
Exploring the Surrounding Countryside
Beyond the city itself, the surrounding countryside is filled with rolling vineyards, forested hills, and charming villages that seem frozen in time. If you’re traveling by car, a short drive will take you to the Minho region’s famed vinho verde (green wine) estates, where you can sample crisp, slightly effervescent white wines in peaceful, rural settings.
Hikers and nature lovers can follow trails along the Cávado River or visit nearby Peneda-Gerês National Park for more rugged landscapes. Barcelos is also well positioned for day trips to Braga, Guimarães, and Viana do Castelo—all cities rich with history and character.
Tours and Day Trips to Barcelos
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The best tour through Barcelos is the Gastronomic and Cultural Experience tour. You get a sampling of snacks and foods from the region, as well as a wine tasting! You also learn about the folk art of Barcelos. The experience is about an hour and pretty informative. It is located in a local shop, so you can buy some great souvenirs.
You can explore Barcelos and the countryside with several tours that are offered from Porto. There is a four-hour tour from Porto that will take you there on Thursdays, but book in advance since it sells out quickly. There is also a private tour available through Get Your Guide.
We also recommend the day trip to Barcelos, Ponte de Lima, and Braga, since Braga is one of our favorite cities!
Why Barcelos Belongs on Your Portugal Itinerary
Barcelos is often overlooked by travelers focused on bigger cities like Porto or Braga, but skipping it would mean missing a truly authentic slice of the north of Portugal. Whether you’re drawn by the legend of the Barcelos rooster, the stunning medieval bridge, the creativity of the ceramicists, or the delicious aroma of northern cuisine, you’ll find the city welcoming and rich with discovery.
It’s a place where myth meets memory, and where past and present coexist in painted tiles, stone towers, and vibrant street art. In short, Barcelos is a small city with a big heart and plenty of stories to tell.
Travel Tip: Plan to spend at least a full day in Barcelos, especially if you’re visiting on market day (Thursday). Wear comfortable shoes, bring a reusable shopping bag for souvenirs, and don’t forget your camera; Barcelos is as photogenic as it is fascinating.
If you want to learn more about the area, check out our podcasts and other blog posts (most linked in the article). Our Podcast about our northern road trip will feature what we thought about Barcelos!
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Shelley is a full-time traveler, writer, and podcaster based in Portugal, where she lives with her wife and their beloved bulldog, Scoot. Originally from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Shelley is a former history teacher who swapped the classroom for cobblestone streets and passport stamps. These days, she explores Portugal and Europe in search of fascinating stories, unforgettable sights, and local flavor—then shares it all through her blog and podcast, Wandering Works for Us, where curiosity meets adventure (and sometimes wine).