Lagos Churches
Leaving the beautiful beaches in Lagos in Portugal's Algarve region can be a tough call, we know. However, if you can drag yourself away from the sea and sand, there is lots to see and do in the Old Town including interesting museums, the Municipal Market, funky street art and several fine churches.
See a listing of churches in Lagos in southern Portugal.
Igreja de Santa Maria
The Igreja de Santa Maria in the old town of Lagos is one of the most active churches in the town. It was founded in 1498, the year Columbus "discovered" America. The Igreja de Santa Maria was enlarged in the 16th and 17th centuries but like so many churches in the Algarve suffered damage in the 1755 earthquake.
There is a single, rectangular nave with the choir on an upper level to your right as you enter the church. The modern painting behind the altar depicts a battle between angels.
Igreja de Santo António
The Igreja de Santo António in the old town of Lagos is entered through the Museu Municipal Dr. Jose Formosinho (Museu Regional de Lagos). It is a spectacular Baroque masterpiece of gilded wood, vivid paintings on a wooden vaulted ceiling and blue and white azulejos tiles.
It is considered one of the finest church interiors in Portugal and is classified as a National Monument. The church consists of single aisle and there are no side chapels. Half a dozen paintings depict the miracles of Saint Anthony and there is a fine statue of the saint with Jesus in his arms above the gilded altar.
Igreja de São Sebastião
The Igreja de São Sebastião (Church of St. Sebastian) is another historic church in the town. It is located on a hill, now just behind the Centro de Ciência Viva Lagos and the adjacent Mercado Municipal. It is classified as a National Monument. St. Sebastian is a a Christian martyr and the patron saint against plagues and infectious diseases.
The exterior is plain in the Mannerist style with a single bell tower. Within the church there are three naves separated by arches with Doric columns and several gilded side chapels. Of particular note is a beautiful statue of Nossa Senhora da Glória, donated by Dom João V.
Attached to the church in an annex is a small Chapel of Bones (Capela dos Ossos).
