Barcelos is the seat of an extensive municipality, located in the north of the country, bathed by the Cávado River, in the heart of Minho. It is a city famous for its handcrafted products and the birthplace of the Barcelos Rooster, a national symbol. The roots of Barcelos date back to prehistoric times, but its urban part developed from the mid-12th century, after the charter granted by King Afonso I, which testified to the strategic importance of the town in communication between the coast and the interior. For centuries, it was an important medieval center, linked to the Jacobean pilgrimages, still being a fundamental stage on the Portuguese Way. A land of rich history and strong traditions, it possesses an important historical heritage, visible in the remarkable ensemble when entering the city via the medieval bridge. Barcelos is globally recognized for its ceramics and figurative art, and in 2017 it was integrated by UNESCO into the Creative Cities Network in the areas of crafts and folk art.