Sao Sebastiao Church
Sao Sebastiao Church
4
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4.0
80 reviews
Excellent
30
Very good
39
Average
11
Poor
0
Terrible
0
David D
Devon, UK28,161 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
This small Parish Church is situated almost in the harbour at Camara de Lobos. It stands beside the obelisk water fountain and could easily be overlooked due to its plain exterior.
But this soon changes once inside, the church was built, in a Baroque style, in the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries.
Checked out the meaning of Baroque style, it
used exuberant detail, deep colour, grandeur, and surprise to achieve a sense wonderment. That was certainly applicable in respect of this Church, from the moment we entered this Church our eyes were treated to a feast of beauty and splendour.
The stone paved aisle leads to the vast ornate gilt covered main altar. A number of small religious statues add to the grandure of this altar.
Even the wooden ceiling is ornate and covered in religious images. The walls of Church are covered by large framed paintings of religious images.
There does seem to be some confusion with some reviews/photos in connection with two of the Churches which are situated close to each other in Camara de Lobos.
This Church, Sao Sebastiao, is the smaller of the two and is at the harbour.
The other Church, Chapela Nossa Senhora da Conceição Chapel, is the larger of the two and towards the centre of the Town, opposite the Municipal Offices.
But this soon changes once inside, the church was built, in a Baroque style, in the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries.
Checked out the meaning of Baroque style, it
used exuberant detail, deep colour, grandeur, and surprise to achieve a sense wonderment. That was certainly applicable in respect of this Church, from the moment we entered this Church our eyes were treated to a feast of beauty and splendour.
The stone paved aisle leads to the vast ornate gilt covered main altar. A number of small religious statues add to the grandure of this altar.
Even the wooden ceiling is ornate and covered in religious images. The walls of Church are covered by large framed paintings of religious images.
There does seem to be some confusion with some reviews/photos in connection with two of the Churches which are situated close to each other in Camara de Lobos.
This Church, Sao Sebastiao, is the smaller of the two and is at the harbour.
The other Church, Chapela Nossa Senhora da Conceição Chapel, is the larger of the two and towards the centre of the Town, opposite the Municipal Offices.
Written 10 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David D
Devon, UK28,161 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
Monday the 11th September and we visited The São Sebastião Parish Church (San Sebastian) it is located in the centre of Câmara de Lobos, a short walk from the harbour.
From what we read we learnt the Church was built in between the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.
From the exterior of the Church it appears to be rather plain and not something worth a visit. The most notable exterior feature was the bell and clock tower with is black and white chequered triangular tiled roof.
As the arched wooden door was open, we decided to go inside and we were well pleased that we did so. On entering the Church we were certainly not expecting to see such a glorious sight of amazing craftsmanship and grandeur
From the entrance we looked down the tiled main aisle to the impressive central altar at the back of the Church.
We walked down the main aisle, which was beneath a beautifully painted wooden panelled ceiling with ornate carved edges. From the ceiling hung a number of large chandeliers.
The main altar is setback in a large arched recess. It comprises of an altar table dressed with a lacy altar cloth with a small crucifix at the centre with a candlestick on either side. Behind the altar there are three chairs where the celebrants of the Mass can sit.
Behind the chairs there is a very ornate reredos, an ornamental panel. This consists of a golden tabernacle surrounded by very ornate gold leaf fretwork, supporting gilded carved columns, on both sides, these stretch up towards the ceiling and are linked by a series of carved arches. The columns encloses two statues, the first depicts Jesus carrying a cross. It stands in front of a three tiered hexagonal structure which is topped by a crucifix bearing the body of Jesus.
The arched ceiling of the altar recess has a painting of Jesus rising, which dominates the ceiling and is surrounded by gilded fretwork.
On either side of the recess housing the main altar there is a recess, encased in ornate fretwork and pillars, and home to a shrine with a statue of a Saint. They just add to the size and magnificence the already impressive altar.
The main aisle is flanked by a smaller aisle, on both sides of the Church, leading up to an altar at each end. Not on the same scale as the main altar however they are still ornate and beautiful and should not be overlooked. On both there are statues, paying hommage, they are also surrounded by gilded fretwork and pillars.
Do keep an eye out for the coloured patterned tiles that cover the lower sections of the walls of the interior of the Church. The is also a freestanding marble baptismal font towards the front of the Church.
Just inside the entrance door, on the right hand side, there is a wall mounted, very elaborately carved wooden seating area for about twelve peoples. This is accessed by a small wooden staircase.
We sat for a few minutes in one of the wooden pews, trying to take in all of the splendour of this old Church.
I am convinced that a visitor could walk around inside the Church, several times. In fairness a written review does not do it justice, it needs to be seen to be appreciated.
From what we read we learnt the Church was built in between the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.
From the exterior of the Church it appears to be rather plain and not something worth a visit. The most notable exterior feature was the bell and clock tower with is black and white chequered triangular tiled roof.
As the arched wooden door was open, we decided to go inside and we were well pleased that we did so. On entering the Church we were certainly not expecting to see such a glorious sight of amazing craftsmanship and grandeur
From the entrance we looked down the tiled main aisle to the impressive central altar at the back of the Church.
We walked down the main aisle, which was beneath a beautifully painted wooden panelled ceiling with ornate carved edges. From the ceiling hung a number of large chandeliers.
The main altar is setback in a large arched recess. It comprises of an altar table dressed with a lacy altar cloth with a small crucifix at the centre with a candlestick on either side. Behind the altar there are three chairs where the celebrants of the Mass can sit.
Behind the chairs there is a very ornate reredos, an ornamental panel. This consists of a golden tabernacle surrounded by very ornate gold leaf fretwork, supporting gilded carved columns, on both sides, these stretch up towards the ceiling and are linked by a series of carved arches. The columns encloses two statues, the first depicts Jesus carrying a cross. It stands in front of a three tiered hexagonal structure which is topped by a crucifix bearing the body of Jesus.
The arched ceiling of the altar recess has a painting of Jesus rising, which dominates the ceiling and is surrounded by gilded fretwork.
On either side of the recess housing the main altar there is a recess, encased in ornate fretwork and pillars, and home to a shrine with a statue of a Saint. They just add to the size and magnificence the already impressive altar.
The main aisle is flanked by a smaller aisle, on both sides of the Church, leading up to an altar at each end. Not on the same scale as the main altar however they are still ornate and beautiful and should not be overlooked. On both there are statues, paying hommage, they are also surrounded by gilded fretwork and pillars.
Do keep an eye out for the coloured patterned tiles that cover the lower sections of the walls of the interior of the Church. The is also a freestanding marble baptismal font towards the front of the Church.
Just inside the entrance door, on the right hand side, there is a wall mounted, very elaborately carved wooden seating area for about twelve peoples. This is accessed by a small wooden staircase.
We sat for a few minutes in one of the wooden pews, trying to take in all of the splendour of this old Church.
I am convinced that a visitor could walk around inside the Church, several times. In fairness a written review does not do it justice, it needs to be seen to be appreciated.
Written 25 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tom Doe
Bekes, Hungary25 contributions
Jun 2019 • Family
Every church has his own athmosfere. So this one from Sao Sebastiao. Visiting a country, making trips every day, you need a moment of rest, when your soul fond the silent of God.
Written 2 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EESW1
Lincolnshire, UK5,654 contributions
May 2019 • Solo
Not to be confused with the tiny Capella de Nossa Senhora da Concelcao, the fisherman’s Church just behind the harbour, this is the church with prominent tower that can be seen as you walk down the main street.
It is a typical black and white Madeira church with Baroque interior. The main altar is wonderful with a massive gilded tabernacle topped by he crucified Christ which is set behind a statue of St Sebastian. The two altars on either side of the chancel arch are equally as good.
The church has side aisles reached beneath massive arches with more altars. Don’t miss the one dedicated to Sebastian who was martyred by being tied to a tree and shot with arrows. his statue shows his bleeding body and beneath the altar his body lies in a coffin.
Wonderful chandeliers hang from the painted ceiling . The base of the walls are covered with blue, white and yellow tiles.
I visited on a Sunday and had to sit quietly at the back enjoying the church while mass and funeral finished.
It is a typical black and white Madeira church with Baroque interior. The main altar is wonderful with a massive gilded tabernacle topped by he crucified Christ which is set behind a statue of St Sebastian. The two altars on either side of the chancel arch are equally as good.
The church has side aisles reached beneath massive arches with more altars. Don’t miss the one dedicated to Sebastian who was martyred by being tied to a tree and shot with arrows. his statue shows his bleeding body and beneath the altar his body lies in a coffin.
Wonderful chandeliers hang from the painted ceiling . The base of the walls are covered with blue, white and yellow tiles.
I visited on a Sunday and had to sit quietly at the back enjoying the church while mass and funeral finished.
Written 12 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nzkiwi99
auckland110 contributions
Feb 2020
Came across this church by accident, and then didn't want to leave!
Really, it was the most beautiful, authentic, and wonderful church I had ever been in,
Not too big, very tranquil.
A very special place.
Really, it was the most beautiful, authentic, and wonderful church I had ever been in,
Not too big, very tranquil.
A very special place.
Written 27 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John T
Warren, RI678 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Got lucky and stumbled into this quaint chapel. The walls are lined with Beautiful murals , there is a unique nativity scene on a boat with running water.
Written 2 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linda R
Scottish Highlands, UK102 contributions
Jul 2019
This beautiful church is situated in the centre of the village of Camara De Lobos and definitely worth a visit, it features Baroque style, with 3 naves sand and has the most intricate alter in gilt. A little haven to sit in and contemplate life.
Written 30 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
B M
Arlon, Belgium169 contributions
Nov 2018 • Couples
Nice church, one of the biggets of the island. As usual some interesting decoration and painting. Historical place for the ones landing on the island some 550 years ago.
Written 11 November 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marie-Aubaine K
Portsmouth, UK54 contributions
Feb 2018 • Couples
We have been to Camara do Lobos many times but never entered this most beautiful church. A real treasure.
Written 10 March 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hans-jaguar
Santa Comba Dao, Portugal24,464 contributions
Jun 2016 • Solo
This church is located in the centre of the small village of Câmara de Lobos, and is dedicated at São Sebastião.
The order to build this church was given in the year 1426 under the order of D Henrique. Later on into the 17th and 18th century due to the grow of the community, it was needed to demodulate this chapel to became the church which it is now, in the Baroque Style. In total a nice small village to spend some time, with the only difficulty to find a place to leave the car behind.
The order to build this church was given in the year 1426 under the order of D Henrique. Later on into the 17th and 18th century due to the grow of the community, it was needed to demodulate this chapel to became the church which it is now, in the Baroque Style. In total a nice small village to spend some time, with the only difficulty to find a place to leave the car behind.
Written 3 July 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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