Praça Gil Eanes (Gil Eanes Square), Lagos

The statue of Gil Eanes, explorer and seafarer who sailed past Cape Bojador in 1434 in service to Henry the Navigator who did not go to sea, is not in Gil Eanes Square. The statue of the maritime hero of Portugal by Canto da Maia occupies a more modest spot in the Garden of the Constition. He seems at home there.

Gil Eanes Square is a large pedestrianized square with connections to several pedestrian-only streets. Picturesque buildings border the square. The City Hall is here. It has a tourism office on the ground floor.

In the middle of the square is the controversial statue of Dom Sebastian by sculptor Joao Cutileiro. Dom Sebastian is the king who raised Lagos to city status. It is safe to say there is nothing else like it. It is beyond modernistic and Dom Sebastian's gender is doubtful. And what is he wearing?

The old City Hall dates from the early 1800s. It has three floors and halls that are used for exhibitions. The new city hall was opened in 2019. The old hall continues in use as the Lagos Municipal Assembly.

To the right of the City Hall is the Barraca Street. Follow this street to the Meja Praja Beach. Continue on to the Lady of Grace Street to reach Infante Dom Henrique Square. Here is the Old Slave Market. The next stop for the slaves was the Americas. Sadness, shame and hope are commingled here.