Barcelos: A Guide for the Heart of Northern Portugal, Barcelos, Portugal

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.

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.” ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).