Igreja de São Sebastião (St. Sebastian Church), Lagos

Initially the church was built as a hermitage in the 14th century. It was dedicated to Our Lady of the Conception. Two centuries later it was rededicated as the church of Saint Sebastian. The building is located on Adviser Joaquin Machado Street.

The church was enlarged in 1490 as directed by King Joao II and again consecrated to Saint Sebastian. Sebastian was revered as a protector against the plagues that made off and on calls in the region. There is a small Bones Chapel annexed to the church. The bones are mostly skulls neatly stacked along the walls.

The altar is fashioned with gilded wood carvings. The church has three naves with arches and Doric columns. The main entrance is a late Gothic portico with a renaissance side portal. In the 16th century more side altarpieces were built. Azulejo tiles were installed in the nave in the 17th century.

The church was nearly demolished by the 1755 earthquake. The tower and tribune were destroyed and the parish headquarters had to be relocated. By 1828 the tower was restored with a clock added. Another earthquake shook the church in 1969.

There is a moving statue of Our Lady of Grace in the church. She, together with Saint Francis, continue to watch over the parish.