Discover the charming St. Sebastian Church in the heart of Câmara de Lobos, with a prominent tower. For a complete guide to Funchal, consult “What To Do In Funchal“. To gain a comprehensive understanding of Madeira, peruse “Things To Do In Madeira“.
- Coordenadas: 32.648669, -16.977922
Address
Largo de São Sebastião, 9300-122 Câmara de Lobos
Phone
291942518
Map – São Sebastião C.
The São Sebastião Chapel was constructed in 1426 by Prince Henry The Navigator.
Due to its popularity during plagues, the number of temples dedicated to St. Sebastian spread during the 15th and 16th centuries.
The devotion to St. Sebastian in the Iberian Peninsula is old; older than Portugal – it began in the 7th century.
With the population growth in the 17th and 18th centuries, it was necessary to expand the chapel into the current church with enough space for the pilgrims who travelled here.
Now, the church exhibits a baroque style with 3 naves and an altar. It is small, where gold prevails, filled with candelabra. The paintings and wooden sculptures are marvellous.
In the Chapel of the Holy Sacrament, we find a majestic panel of 18th-century tiles depicting the divine Lamb of God: Jesus Christ.
At the church’s summit, a rich painting celebrates St. Sebastian.
On the church exterior, few realise that the coat of arms of João Gonçalves Zarco is on the façade.
The liturgical celebration in honour of St. Sebastian is held annually on January 20th.
During the 20th-century restoration of the church, an image of St. Sebastian was found – a remarkable discovery housed in the Museum of Sacred Art of Funchal.
Things to do nearby:
Nossa Senhora da Conceição Chapel
The Nossa Senhora da Conceição Chapel lies beside the iconic statue of Winston Churchill. Some scholars argue that this is the island’s first chapel. It is near the bay, surrounded by bars and restaurants.
Baía de Câmara de Lobos
The bustling Câmara de Lobos Bay is a highly sought-after destination for day trips, offering excursions, shopping, and diverse culinary options.
We can venture to explore the surrounding beaches and nature trails.
The traditional Sons of the Sea Bar, although modest, is inviting. It is the perfect place to savour the regional drink, Poncha.
Close to the small harbour, one is rewarded with a magnificent view.
The cliffs of Cabo Girão are among the world’s tallest, with a nearly vertiginous drop of over 550 metres to the ocean below. It is a place to enjoy a breathtaking view of Câmara de Lobos and the sea.
The Eira do Serrado Viewpoint, at over 1000 metres of altitude, offers a panoramic view of the hamlet of Curral das Freiras. Accessible by a winding road, it is an ideal spot to admire the mountainous nature of the island.
