Visiting Lagos? We recommend a visit to the Museum – Slave Market. This place of remembrance bears poignant witness to the city’s tragic role in the 15th century African slave trade.
We’d like you to discover this museum through our photos and our tips for preparing your visit.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Why visit the Mercado de Escravos in Lagos?
Is the museum worth it? Our opinion:
Yes, this museum is well worth a visit, as it raises awareness of a major historical subject through an educational approach. Although small, it houses a collection of period objects and documents that bear witness to the slave trade in the region. We were particularly moved by the reading of a notarial deed giving freedom to a young child. The exhibition is enhanced by digital tablets that make the visit more interactive and fun. This is one of the must-do activities in Lagos.
Why is the museum famous?
It is an important historical site, as it was one of the first slave markets created in Europe. Today, the museum plays an essential role in raising awareness of slavery and its lasting impact on society.
History in brief
The Slavery Museum retraces a dark period in Portugal’s history:
- 1444: creation of the Mercado de Escravos and first slave landings in Lagos, marking the start of the Atlantic slave trade
- 2009: archaeological digs reveal numerous African skeletons in Lagos
- Today: the building houses a museum dedicated to raising awareness and educating people about this tragic period in history.
Access: Núcleo Museológico Rota da Escravatura, Lagos
Where is the museum?
- Right in downtown Lagos,
- Rua da Sra. da Graça 26,
- Opposite Sainte-Marie Church
- Only a 2-minute walk from the Lagos Museum
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN THE Algarve
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Don’t take a car that’s too wide, as old towns have narrow streets and small parking spaces.
- For more choice, book early.
How to get there?
The museum is easily accessible by bus thanks to the local network. The “Praça do Infante” stop is a 2-minute walk away and is served by numerous lines. To plan your journey, consult the timetables here.
Parking
Parking da Frente Ribeirinha is a 2-minute walk from the museum. This covered parking lot is subject to a charge and offers a convenient solution for parking nearby.
Useful tips: duration, schedules, eating…
Best time to visit
We advise you to avoid the busy tourist season in Lagos. However, most visitors prefer outdoor activities. This small museum, less well-known than the Lagos Museum, remains relatively quiet.
Length of visit and main difficulties
Allow 30-45 minutes for your visit.
The museum has several staircases between the ticket office and the exhibition rooms. We did not observe any facilities dedicated to people with reduced mobility.
Advice on how to visit
The tour begins in the first room, where the ticket office is located. First, we suggest you take a tour of this space. Next, emerge onto the cobbled passageway alongside the building. After a few steps, you’ll find a green door indicating the museum’s name. This is the entrance to the other exhibition rooms upstairs. A guide will provide you with digital tablets to enhance your visit.
Visiting with children
The visit is made more accessible to children thanks to digital tablets that offer a fun and educational approach.
Schedules and rates
The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm. Closed on January 1, Easter Sunday, April 25, May 1, December 1, 24 and 25.
Admission is €3 for adults and free for children under 12. A combined ticket giving access to the Museum of Slavery and the Dr José Formosinho Museum is available for €5.
Catering
There are no food and beverage outlets in the museum, but its location in the heart of the city gives you easy access to nearby restaurants. Check out our article on the best restaurants in Lagos to make sure you’re in for a treat!
The architecture of the Slave Market in Lagos
We were struck by the building, which stretches lengthwise between 2 cobbled lanes, one of which slopes gently. Its white façade, contrasted with beige stone, features elegant arches set with columns. Upstairs, you’ll find 2 windows overlooking Plaza Infante Dom Henrique, the city’s main square. This historic building stands directly opposite the Church of Sainte-Marie, creating an interesting architectural dialogue.
The slave trade told through objects
Lagos occupied a major strategic position in the slave trade due to its location along the main maritime trade routes. We were moved by the collection of period objects, artifacts and historical documents that bear witness to this disastrous trade.
You’ll also discover texts that tell this tragic story. Ivory objects, such as an elephant tusk and carved spoons, impressed us as they illustrated the different facets of this trade.
Digital tablets for an interactive tour
Digital tablets greatly enhance the visitor experience, providing detailed information on the objects on display. We particularly appreciated the sound dimension accompanying the visit, with traditional music creating an immersive atmosphere. They make the visit more accessible and effectively complement the limited number of information panels.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO THE algarve
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