Description of the attraction
The city of Barcelos is located on the banks of the Cavadu River. It is believed that it was from these places that the history of the Portuguese kingdom began. The city was founded by the Romans, is known for its national symbol - the cockerel Barcelos, and the fact that in the 15th century this city was the seat of the first Duke of Braganza.
In the city of Barcelos, as in many other settlements in the northern part of Portugal, the fortress walls of the Middle Ages have been partially preserved. Today, you can see only a fragment of the fortress walls that served as the protection of the city - Torre da Porta Nova.
The Torre da Porta Nova tower is located between Largo da Porta Nova and Largo José Novaís and in the Middle Ages was part of the walls that surrounded the city of Barcelos. This magnificent example of medieval military architecture is listed as a National Monument of Portugal. Unfortunately, only one of the three towers has survived, which were part of the city walls and were installed over the entrances on different sides of the walls: Torre e Porta da Ponte, Torre e Porta do Valais and Torre da Porta -Nova, also called Torre e Porta de Menage.
This impressive square-shaped tower is built of granite stone, the height of the walls reaches 2.5 meters. The tower has four floors, the top of the tower is decorated with battlements. The tower served as a protective function until the 16th century. In the same century, construction work was carried out, windows were added, as well as some decorative elements in the spirit of the Renaissance. Near the tower is the Church of the Senor da Cruz. Currently, the tower houses the Handicraft Center, which will be interesting for lovers and connoisseurs of local crafts and you can buy something from the souvenirs, including the famous Barcelos rooster.
