Igreja de São Sebastião, Lagos
The Igreja de São Sebastião (Church of St. Sebastian) in Lagos is an historic church in the town. It is located on a hill, now just behind the Municipal Market and the Centro de Ciência Viva Lagos. It has been classified as a National Monument since 1924. St. Sebastian is a a Christian martyr and the patron saint against plagues and epidemics.
History
Dating from the 14th century when it was known as the Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Conceição, the church has since undergone various renovations and modifications over the centuries. Indeed, the church is in need more restoration at the present time.
The Church of St. Sebastian, like so many churches in the Algarve, suffered damage in the 1755 earthquake and again in the 1969 quake, the largest earthquake to hit Portugal since the 1755 Lisbon earthquake. Indeed, reconstruction of the church after 1755 did not begin until 1858. The bell tower is an addition from this time. During excavations following 1755, vestments relating to a field mass held in Lagos by the doomed king Sebastião gefore his ill-fated adventure in Morocco were found.
The church reflects a blend of architectural styles, including Gothic and Manueline. The Manueline style is characterized by ornate detailing and intricate carvings, and it was prevalent during the Age of Discovery period of Portuguese history. The style is named after the monarch Manuel I.
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).
Access & Hours
Rua Conselheiro Joaquim Machado
8600-682 Lagos
Tel: 282 760 390
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 5-6 pm; Sunday 10 am - 11 am; Monday closed.
Nearby
The Igreja de São Sebastião is behind the Centro de Ciência Viva Lagos and the adjacent Mercado Municipal.
Across the river is the interesting Museu de Cera dos Descobrimentos (Portuguese Discoveries Wax Museum) at the plush Lagos Marina.
Churches of the same name are common in Portugal. For example, the Igreja de São Sebastião da Pedreira is in Lisbon, the Igreja de São Sebastião in Setúbal and the small Igreja de São Sebastião in Viseu.
