Description of the attraction
The Church of San Sebastian is located on a hilltop, near the fish market, in the northern part of the old town of Lagos. This place offers a stunning panoramic view of the bay. The church is considered one of the oldest and finest churches in the city.
Even before the church was built, on this site in 1325 there was a chapel of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In 1463, Bishop Joao de Mello helped to build a church on this site. In 1490, by order of the King of Portugal, Don João II, renovations were again carried out and the church was enlarged. After that, the church was consecrated as the Church of San Sebastian (Church of St. Sebastian). Unfortunately, as happened with many historic buildings in Portugal, the church was practically destroyed during the Lisbon earthquake in 1755. The church was rebuilt, and two centuries later, the church was again destroyed by an earthquake in 1969. Over time, the church was rebuilt again.
Inside the church there are three naves, which are separated by Doric columns. The original main altar of the church dates from the 16th century. The altar consists of four panels. It is believed that these panels were created by one of the most famous painters of the Algarve in the 16th century, Alvaro Dias. The old plan of the city is kept in the church. In 1828 a bell tower was added to the church.
In 1924, the Church of San Sebastian was included in the list of monuments of national importance.
