Barcelos is located 20kms to the west of the religious centre of Braga and is well known for its market which is held every Thursday. Indeed the Feira de Barcelos, one of the largest markets in Europe is regarded as the great weekly event of southern Minho, it starts at dawn and runs through to around 2pm and is sited on the Campo da Republica.

There is something for everyone at the market with rows of village women selling local fare, sometimes just some fruit they have grown or cheese they have made. There are numerous stalls selling all sorts but one of the big features is the local pottery and handicraft for which the area is renowned. The highly acclaimed pottery is typically brown with yellow dots and the Rosa Ramalho (RR) figurines are highly collectable.

Barcelos is a small town set on a river with a few historical sights including the 15th century Torra de Porta Nova, an ex prison set into the town walls, the Templo do Bom Jesus da Cruz church and the museu Arqueologico museum which can be enjoyed in half a day, otherwise life ambles along here in an agreeable manner. There are a number of annual events such as the Festa das Cruzes (Festival of the crosses) on the 3rd of May and a folk festival held over the river in Barcelinos on the last Saturday of July.

Apparently the cockrel which is now a national symbol for Portugal originated from a miraculous event involving such a bird in Barcelos and is now depicted on a stone cross in Barcelo’s archeological museum. A nice little claim to fame! Just out of town at Igreja de Moure there is the possibility to enjoy an annual miracle involving the ghostly shadow of the top half of Christ which appears conveniently every year on the 18th of May. Many flock to see what is known as the “marvellous half-bodied manifestation of Moure”.

There are cafes and restaurants to suit all tastes in Barcelos including the acclaimed Turismo bar which has a terrace overlooking the river and becomes a disco in the evening.