At the beginning of the 15th century, D. Afonso, 8th Count of Barcelos and future 1st Duke of Bragança, began the construction of a sophisticated urban enclosure in Barcelos. The Porta Nova Tower is the only one of the three main gates in the wall that still exists.

In 1926, it was classified as a National Monument. After its renovation between 2010 and 2013, the tower acquired new cultural, educational and tourist functions, becoming one of the most visited heritage spaces in the region. In 2014, it received the first prize for “Most Accessible Municipality” in the Leisure/Heritage/Tourism category, by the National Rehabilitation Institute (INR). The tower’s viewpoint offers a stunning view of the historic center of Barcelos, the Cávado River and Monte da Franqueira.