Praça Infante D. Henrique

About

Praça Infante D. Henrique is one of Lagos’s most emblematic squares, blending coastal charm with deep historical significance. Overlooking the marina and framed by whitewashed buildings, the square is dominated by the statue of Prince Henry the Navigator, a central figure of Portugal’s Age of Discoveries. This open space has long served as a gathering point for locals and travelers, once functioning as a bustling hub for maritime activity. Today, its calm atmosphere contrasts with its storied past, offering a pleasant place to pause while exploring the old town. Nearby landmarks, including the Igreja de Santa Maria and the former slave market building, add layers of cultural and historical context. With its mix of sunlight, sea breeze, and heritage, Praça Infante D. Henrique remains a meaningful stop for anyone seeking to understand the spirit and history of Lagos.

Lagos Portugal

Location

Praça Infante D. Henrique is located in the heart of Lagos historic centre, Algarve, southern Portugal, serving as the city's main square on the edge of the old town walls near the Bairro da Misericórdia and the canal linking the marina to the Atlantic Ocean. Dominated by the statue of Prince Henry the Navigator erected in 1960, it anchors key landmarks like Igreja de Santa Maria, the adjacent Mercado de Escravos (Europe's first slave market from 1444), and Centro Cultural de Lagos. Nearby attractions include the Old Lagos Prison now repurposed as LAC Laboratório de Actividades Criativas, Casa da Janela Manuelina, and streets leading to Castelo de Lagos, Forte da Ponta da Bandeira at the harbour entrance, Batata Beach, Igreja de Santo António, and the vibrant old town with street art trails and the Convento de Nossa Senhora do Carmo a short walk away.