The municipality of Barcelos is located in the Minho region, in northern Portugal. It is the seat of a vast municipality, with 61 parishes and a population of around 117,000 inhabitants.
Bathed by the Cávado River, its origins date back to prehistoric times, been inhabited by Carthaginians and Romans. It has a rich architectural heritage, including monuments such as the Mother Church, the Medieval Bridge, the Town Hall (from the 14th century), the Medieval Tower (15th century), and the Church of Bom Jesus da Cruz (18th century), among others.
Known as the land of the Rooster, a symbol that represents not just the municipality, but also the country, Barcelos has been awarded as an Unesco Creative City for handicrafts and Folk Arts, a result of the creativity of its artisans.
In addition to its wealth of handicrafts, Barcelos combines tradition with innovation. It is very strong and competitive in the textile and clothing industry, which employs almost 40% of its working population, while it has a dynamic and modern commercial and services sector.
Served by IPCA, one of the most developed Polytechnic Institutes in Portugal, Barcelos attracts young people from all over the country and abroad, who choose the city to complete their higher education studies.
Also the epicentre of the Portuguese Way, the preferred route for thousands of pilgrims of the “Caminhos de Santiago”, a route of around 44 km. A land where the Cávado River stretches out, with beautiful nature trails, it also attracts for its rich and diverse gastronomy, accompanied by the uniqueness of its desirable “vinhos verdes”.
Its municipal holiday is on May 3rd when the “Festa das Cruzes” is held, one of the region’s biggest religious, cultural and recreational events.
