Barcelos

Camino Portugues

To end of camino
186.1
Altitude
35

Barcelinhos

0.80

Barcelos

2.50

Vila Boa

Services
ATM
Yes
Bar
Yes
Grocery
Yes
Medical Center
Yes
Pharmacy
Yes
Public Pool
Yes
Train
Yes

The ruins at the entrance to town are from the palace of a former Duke, and although there were several attempts to rebuild it subsequent to the earthquake of 1755 the only thing we are left with today is the open air Museo Arqueológico, which is more like an open park than a formal museum. 

The camino through town hits all of the major highlights, including the Igreja Matriz opposite the museum, the Capela da San Francisco, the Torre do Cimo da Vila (which offers the best view of the city as well as a small handicrafts exhibition), the Igreja do Senhor Bom Jesus da Cruz (constructed at the location where a large earthen cross mysteriously appeared, but 200 years after its 1504 sighting), and the Confraria de Nossa Senhora do Terço with its spectacular wooden ceiling and wall to wall azulejos tiling.

You may notice an abundance of large colorful galos (roosters) around town. A miracle not unlike that of the hanged innocent is set in Barcelos but lacks the element of St. James as savior as the tales told in Santo Domingo and Toulouse do. In any event, the rooster sprang back to life, proof of innocence and ever since the symbol of Barcelos (and often Portugal) in the process.

Fiesta

The Feast of the Cross is held on May 3rd at the Igreja do Bom Jesus.

Market every Thursday in the feria space opposite the Igreja.

The Road

A fresh set of arrows and signs direct the way through town, past the Igreja Senhor da Cruz and the large market square opposite it (open on Thursdays).

City Map

Comments

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

Stayed in the dorm at In Barcelos. It was ok (clean and fine space), but extremely expensive for what you got - 35 € for a bed in a dorm, I would have expected it to be very nice, which it was not. Felt like a bit of waste of money.

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

We ate at Bon Gosto restaurant (right on camino after the Macdonalds). Delicious grilled chicken, very good price, and popular with locals (not touristy).

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

Does anyone know how to leave Barcelos without walking on a highway? Rua do carregal at Ave de Joao Jose is totally blocked due to construction and it should take you under the major highway. I’m having to take a cab from a huge dept store to avoid jumping the overpass.

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

We stayed at the Hotel Bagoeria and took a side trip by bus (almost at the front door, $2.60 euros each way) to Braga, the “spiritual” center of Portugal. Beautiful churches, the Bom Jesus, and so much else.
The hotel is kinda dated but a good value and a good breakfast. The market on Thursday is huge and breath taking.

Camino de Sant…

We stayed at the In Barcelos Hostel and Guest House and it was delightful - very new, clean and efficient. Inexpensive for a private room and bathroom, right on the Camino in very charming Barcelos and a decent breakfast buffet.

Camino de Sant…

Stayed at In Barcelos and enjoyed the dorms (split by gender). They were clean and had privacy curtains and plenty of space. Due to covid the kitchen is closed, and they do not have meals available as advertised (as of Sept 2021). However, in a central location to cafes and restaurants. Recommend Cafe Utopia.

Camino de Sant…

Please be aware the ATM as we left town ‘skimmed ‘ our bank card. Could happen anywhere but it happened to us here. It was after MacDonalds.