Cambeses brings together a revived straw hat tradition, parish history documented by references dating to 1258, religious celebrations and historical traces at Quinta do Paço. For a culture-focused stay, there are several specific points of interest: craftsmanship, the São Tiago tradition and places of remembrance appeal to different interests, without reducing Cambeses to just one theme.
Craftsmanship with a history of its own
In 2018, the Chapéus de Palha de Cambeses group revived the local straw hat tradition. The straw hats of Cambeses are distinguished by their colourful designs. The local craft tradition offers a different perspective on Cambeses from its religious dates: one is about a revived tradition and the colourful hats, the other about the festival calendar. Craftsmanship and religious customs therefore stand alongside one another as distinct cultural interests.
São Tiago and the parish’s history
The parish church of Cambeses is dedicated to the Apostle São Tiago Maior. The celebration in honour of São Tiago is held every year on 25 July; for future editions, confirm the date locally. The procession of Senhor dos Passos also takes place in Cambeses every year. If you want a religious event to determine your travel dates, check the details of the specific edition before your trip. Documentary references to the parish already appear in the Inquirições of 1258. This medieval historical marker complements the recurring celebrations with a different perspective: it concerns the history of the parish, while the celebrations shape the annual calendar.
Historical traces at Quinta do Paço
Traces of a former court, a prison and a military presence can still be seen at Quinta do Paço. These traces point to different former functions of the site. The chapel of Santa Maria Madalena is also located there, adding a religious dimension to its historical associations. The Miradouro do Escadório da Paixão viewpoint is also in Cambeses. The selection of places to visit therefore includes, alongside the parish history and the traces at Quinta, a named viewpoint.
Creative activities with different lead times
The two-hour activity “Criações em Bordado de Crivo de S. Miguel da Carreira” offers sessions from Monday to Friday, subject to booking eight days in advance. For “Figurado Artístico em Ferro,” bookings are available on weekdays with 15 days’ notice. The longer lead time for the Figurado activity makes it the one to arrange earlier if you are considering both options. Confirm availability before your trip.
Plan your train journey
Couto de Cambeses railway station is on the Ramal de Braga railway line. If you are planning to include the train in your journey, check the timetable for your travel date in advance.
Discover more destinations: Barcelos, Durrães, Balugães, Vila Boa, Silva, Várzea, Aborim, Quintiães.
Back to the main travel overview: Barcelos.
