Church of Saint Sebastian

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Lisboa > Lourinhã > Lourinhã > Lourinhã e Atalaia

Location

The Church of São Sebastião is located in the heart of Lourinhã, a village situated in the homonymous area and in Atalaia, within the municipality of Lourinhã. Its central position allows it to be an easily accessible landmark within the village's urban environment, integrating into local life and its historical fabric.

Origin and Architectural Identity

This small temple was erected in the first half of the 18th century, with the date 1730 appearing associated with the altarpiece of the main altar, discovered during restoration work in 2004. Its Baroque-style facade captures attention with a large window above the main door. On the tympanum, above the entrance, one can observe a circle adorned with three tied arrows, a symbolic element representing the church's patron saint, flanked by pinnacles that enrich the ensemble.

Artistic Details of the Interior

Upon entering the church, visitors can appreciate various details that tell its history. On the Epistle side wall, next to the altar, a small aedicule stands out, covered with loose-figure tiles, of a less common type and dated from the time of the temple's original construction. During the 2004 interventions, azulejo wainscoting was also applied, in white tones and with loose figures, which are faithful replicas of 18th-century examples, contributing to the beauty of the space. On the Gospel side, two large arches flank the pulpit, which rests on a red marble base, and open the way to the former meeting room of the brotherhood.

Tradition and Community

The Church of São Sebastião is not only a space of faith but also a meeting point and a place for maintaining local traditions. Annually, the village of Lourinhã celebrates the Feast of São Sebastião, an initiative that has lasted for over a century and is organized by the Mordomia de São Sebastião. This festivity, with its strong religious component, which includes the celebration of mass and a procession through the village streets, is a testament to the devotion and involvement of the community, which through the volunteer work of many of its inhabitants, keeps this popular tradition alive.

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