at a glance

Cais do Valongo (Valongo's Wharf), located in Praça Jornal do Comércio (Journal of Commerce Square) in Gamboa, is one of the most significant historical location of the African displacement movement outside of Africa. The quay was the entry point for more than 1 million African slaves, making it the largest slave port in history.

It was purpose built as a disembarkment point for the slave trade and functioned as such until around 1831, when laws restricting the trade began to take effect. In 1843 it wastransformed into a pier to welcome Teresa Cristina, future wife of Dom Pedro II, and last ruler of the Empire of Brazil. The site was rediscovered in 2011 following revitalization works on the Zona Portuária (Port Zone) of the city.

A plaque has been raised on the site to indicate that it is a heritage of the African trail, part of the Rota do Escravo (Slave Route) project. The project is working across 20 countries to install plaques in important locations relating to slave channels. Steps have been taken to register Cais do Valongo as a World Heritage Site, and there are hopes for the site to become a significant destination for visitors in the future.