5 Portuguese Towns with Hilariously Quirky Names

Explore the Unconventional Side of Portugal

Get ready to embark on a journey through the offbeat towns of Portugal, where quirky names and fascinating stories await. Have you visited any of these places? Do you live in one of them? If so, we’d love to hear about it! But without further ado, let’s dive into this roster of unconventional Portuguese towns and their peculiar tales.

1 – Campa do Preto

Don’t worry, it’s not about racism! The name of this town dates back to the Legend of Campa do Preto, a story rooted in the parish of Guilhabreu. It’s said that a local nobleman tried to attack a girl passing by, and when she fled into the fields, he ordered his slaves to set them on fire. However, one of the slaves decided to help the girl escape but was brutally punished. He was tied to a horse and dragged to the spot now known as Campa do Preto, where his remains are believed to be – a true hero who deserves a proper tribute.

2 – Pedaço Mau

Would you dare to pass through Pedaço Mau? Located in Vila Nova de Famalicão, this town’s name leaves us wondering. Unfortunately, the exact origin of the name is unknown, but we’re leaving it up to you to explore Pedaço Mau and uncover its secret. We hope your experience there is anything but… bad!

3 – Colo do Pito

Now, let’s head to Viseu, where we find the curious Colo do Pito! Although the name might raise some eyebrows and perhaps a bit of embarrassment, it has nothing to do with what you might be thinking. In fact, Colo do Pito comes from the Latin ‘Colum Pictum,’ meaning ‘Painted Hill,’ and was likely given by the Romans during their occupation of the Iberian Peninsula. Over time, the name evolved into the amusing version we know today, but the meaning remains – a place that was, and is, beautiful to see.

4 – Quinta da Comichão

We’re off to Guarda, where we find the Quinta da Comichão. Although the origin of this name is unclear, it sparks curiosity and maybe even a slight feeling of… itchiness! Was it the result of a mosquito infestation? Or is there another secret hidden in this place? Only by visiting the location can we uncover the true reason behind this quirky name.

5 – Venda das Raparigas

Our final stop on this list of quirky names takes us to Alcobaça, to the famous Venda das Raparigas. Despite the unusual name, it has no connection to human trafficking or suspicious activities. For many years, this was a mandatory stop for travelers between Lisbon and Porto, on a road built by D. Maria Pia. The origin of the name is due to a store run by two women, where travelers made their purchases. And so, Venda das Raparigas remains, a name that still marks the location, known as a stopping point between northern and southern Portugal.

These Portuguese towns prove that humor can be found in every corner, even in the quirky names of localities! If you enjoyed this article, don’t forget to follow us on social media to stay up-to-date with more curiosities from Cultura de Algibeira!

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