This medieval market town in northern Portugal is known for its rooster legend, weekly Thursday market, and traditional pottery crafts dating back to the 15th century.
In northern Portugal, Barcelos welcomes you with its iconic ceramic roosters, Gothic bridge from 1325, and weekly market where 400+ vendors gather every Thursday. Walk through workshops where artisans shape clay into colorful figures, cross the medieval bridge over the Cávado River, or join pilgrims walking the Portuguese Way to Santiago de Compostela. Each May, the Festa das Cruzes fills the streets with flower carpets and religious processions.
The Legend of the Barcelos Rooster
A medieval tale tells of a dead rooster that rose to prove a pilgrim's innocence. You'll spot bright ceramic roosters throughout the town center, especially in the Torre Medieval where local artists display their work. At the Archaeological Museum, look for the 15th-century stone cross with carvings depicting this legend.
Thursday Market Experience
Since the 15th century, Campo da República has hosted Portugal's largest weekly market every Thursday. More than 400 vendors fill the square with stalls selling fresh produce, clay pottery, and hand-woven textiles. Walk through the maze of stands to find ceramic figurines, regional cheeses, and seasonal vegetables from local farms.
Exploring Medieval Barcelos
The Gothic bridge built in 1325 links the old town with Barcelinhos across the Cávado River. In the center, walk past the Archaeological Museum, housed in the former Counts of Barcelos Palace ruins. Climb the Torre da Porta Nova, part of the original medieval walls, for a view of the town's red-tiled rooftops.
Pottery and Crafts
At the Pottery Museum (Museu de Olaria), examine clay works from across Portugal, including Barcelos's signature figurative ceramics. Open Tuesday through Friday 10am-5:30pm, weekends 10am-12:30pm and 2pm-5:30pm. Stop by local workshops to watch artisans create "figurado" pottery - clay figures of farmers and musicians with bold, exaggerated features.
Religious Architecture
The octagonal Temple of Bom Jesus da Cruz stands where a cobbler reportedly saw a miraculous cross in 1704. In Nossa Senhora do Terço church, examine the blue and white azulejo tiles showing scenes of working monks and the Last Supper. During May's Festa das Cruzes, both churches become centers for religious processions.
Getting Around
Trains run between Barcelos and Porto every hour, taking 45 minutes. If you're driving, take the A11 motorway. You can walk between most attractions in the town center within 15 minutes from the main square.
