It was already a square at the beginning of the Christian occupation and has always had the character of a central area, linked to administration and port activities. Before the century. XVII already contained important buildings: Hospital and Igreja da Misericórdia, and it was called Praça da rainha. This terreiro would be implanted, at the end of the century. XIX the Garden of Bacalhau (so called by its form).
During the centuries. XVII and XIX the buildings of the Customs and of the Civil Government are constructed. With successive changes to its configuration and surroundings (the emergence of new equipment and services – Banco de Portugal, Firefighters, Finance) this space is considered
the city center, integrating one of the nuclei of the Historic Center of Faro.
Currently, with some tree species, it is the space where in the summer some fairs and other cultural events take place.