Church of Saint Sebastian and Museum of Sacred Art of Albufeira

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Faro > Albufeira > Albufeira > Bairro dos Pescadores

Location

The Church of São Sebastião and the Museum of Sacred Art are located in the Fishermen's Quarter (Bairro dos Pescadores), an area of Albufeira that reflects its most traditional identity. Its location allows visitors to connect with a more authentic side of the town, away from the hustle and bustle of other areas, offering a perspective of its genesis and daily life.

The Building and Its History

The building that now houses the museum has its roots in the 16th century, when the Hermitage of São Sebastião was built. This temple underwent significant architectural renovation in the first half of the 18th century, which gave it much of its current appearance. Despite the alterations, a beautiful Manueline-style side door, a testament to its original construction, can still be observed. On the façade, an interesting Baroque portal stands out, enriched with ornamental details that capture visitors' attention.

This hermitage, a small single-nave temple, has been a reference point for the local community over the centuries, having been the seat of the Confraternity of the Martyr. Today, it preserves its function as a space for contemplation, while also assuming a new role as guardian of the region's sacred art.

The Museum and Its Collections

Inside the Church of São Sebastião, the Museum of Sacred Art of Albufeira brings together a significant collection of pieces from the various churches in the municipality. This collection offers a glimpse into the artistic richness and local religious devotion throughout time. Among the objects on display, a 18th-century polychromatic altarpiece stands out, featuring the images of Saint Sebastian, Saint Francis Xavier, and Saint Dominic.

The museum also houses several wooden images of saints, some of unknown authorship, as well as a stone image believed to date from the 16th century. Alongside these, various silver pieces can be admired, such as an incense boat (naveta) and a chalice, in addition to the crown of Nossa Senhora da Orada, which complement the collection of sacred art and provide a deeper understanding of Albufeira's cultural and spiritual heritage.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt