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Old Town & Historic District

Mercado dos Escravos

📍 Mercado de Escravos, Praca do Infante, Lagos, Portugal
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4/ 5.0
★★★★☆

Quick Facts

Location
Portugal
Category
Old Town & Historic District
Duration
1-2 hours
Address
Mercado de Escravos, Praca do Infante, Lagos, Portugal
Coordinates
37.1006, -8.6712

Introduction

The Mercado de Escravos (Slave Market) stands in the historic centre of Lagos, beside Praça Infante Dom Henrique, and is generally regarded as one of Europe's earliest slave-trading sites, dating from the mid-15th century. In Portugal's Age of Discovery, Lagos was a key base for Prince Henry the Navigator's ocean exploration, and enslaved people from West Africa were traded here. The restored building now serves as an exhibition space explaining this history and its impact. It is closely tied to Lagos's maritime and slave-trade past.

✨ Highlights

01
An Early European Slave Market
Generally regarded as one of Europe's earliest slave-trading sites, dating from the mid-15th century.
02
Age of Discovery Context
Lagos was a base for Prince Henry the Navigator, tying the slave trade to its maritime history.
03
Now an Exhibition Space
The restored building serves as a museum explaining this history and its legacy through displays.
04
Beside the Old-Town Square
Set in Lagos's historic centre near Praça Infante Dom Henrique, easy to combine with old-town sights.

🛈 Practical Info

→Suggested Time：30–45 minutes
→Etiquette：The exhibition deals with the history of slavery; please visit respectfully
→Opening Hours：Generally open daytime; hours vary by season—check on-site notices
→Ticket Information：Entry usually requires a ticket; prices as posted on site
→Transportation：In Lagos's historic centre, within walking distance of the centre

💡 Tips

• The exhibition covers difficult history; allow time to view it quietly.
• Combine it on foot with Lagos's old-town churches and fortress.
• It is windy by the sea and streets are cobbled; wear comfortable shoes.
• Space is limited in high season; avoid the midday crowd.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Mercado dos Escravos?

Generally open daytime; hours vary by season—check on-site notices

How much is the admission for Mercado dos Escravos?

Entry usually requires a ticket; prices as posted on site

Any practical tips for visiting Mercado dos Escravos?

The exhibition covers difficult history; allow time to view it quietly. Combine it on foot with Lagos's old-town churches and fortress.

How long should I spend at Mercado dos Escravos?

A typical visit takes 1-2 hours.