Count of Barcelos

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Count of Barcelos is a Portuguese title of nobility, and the oldest title still extant in the country. Fist created in 1298 by king Denis I, it was initially not hereditary, although most of the holders belonged to the Teles de Menezes family. It was only after the death of the 6th Count, when it was granted to Nuno Álvares Pereira, that the title became hereditary. The Counts of Barcelos were created Dukes of Braganza in 1442, by king Afonso V, and rose to the Portuguese throne after the country regained its independence from Spain in 1640.

Initially, the seat of the Counts of Barcelos was the Castle of Barcelos, a large medieval structure that overlooks the Cávado river. After having been granted the Dukedom of Braganza, the family moved to a larger and more urbane palace in Guimarães.

The title is currently held by Duarte Pio, Duke of Braganza and 31st Count of Barcelos, claimant to the throne of Portugal.

[edit] Counts of Barcelos, non-hereditary title (1298)

  • João Afonso de Menezes, 1st Count of Barcelos
  • Martim Gil, 2nd Count of Barcelos
  • Pedro Afonso, 3rd Count of Barcelos
  • João Afonso Teles de Menezes, 4th Count of Barcelos
  • Afonso Teles de Menezes, 5th Count of Barcelos
  • João Afonso Teles de Menezes, 6th Count of Barcelos

[edit] Counts of Barcelos, hereditary title (1385)

[edit] References

  • Entry about the title at Geneall.com (in Portuguese) [1]