Câmara de Lobos Parish Church

São Sebastião Church – Six Centuries of Style, Saints & Stories
Right in the heart of Câmara de Lobos, where the streets smell like grilled espada and poncha dreams, stands the Church of São Sebastião – a baroque beauty that’s been part of Madeira’s history since 1426.

Did you know?!

This Sight is part of our Self-Guided-Tour
“Câmara de Lobos Walking Tour”

Check out the Self-Guided-Tour

Originally built as a humble chapel by order of Prince Henry the Navigator (yes, that Prince Henry), it’s grown up quite a bit. By the 17th and 18th centuries, the locals said, “We need more church!” and boom — expansion, renovations, and full architectural glow-up.

What to look out for:
🎨 Baroque style with three naves and a glorious gold-leaf altar
🖼️ An 18th-century tile panel in the Blessed Sacrament chapel featuring the Agnus Dei
🪨 On the outside? A basalt coat of arms from João Gonçalves Zarco – the guy who literally discovered Madeira and lived here before it was cool

Every January 20th, the church celebrates São Sebastião in style – think tradition, devotion, and probably a lot of food after Mass.

So go for the history, stay for the vibes, and maybe light a candle for good Wi-Fi signal.