In the heart of Lagos‘ historic center, theChurch of Saint Mary stands majestically on the Praça Infante D. Henrique. Its sleek white façade, topped by two elegant bell towers, makes this religious building an essential landmark in the old town. A symbol of sobriety and harmony, its uncluttered architecture extends to the interior, where a few sculpted details underline its discreet beauty. We appreciated this simplicity, in stark contrast to theChurch of Saint-Antoine, just a few yards away, which is overflowing with Baroque ornamentation.
In this article, you’ll find our photos and tips on how to make the most of your visit.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Why visit the Church of Santa Maria de Lagos?
Is St Mary’s Church in Lagos worth it? Our opinion:
Yes, Sainte-Marie Church is well worth a visit. Located in the heart of Lagos’ historic center, this religious building won us over with its sleek white facade topped by two bell towers that elegantly dominate the main square. Its relatively sober interior nevertheless reveals treasures such as its remarkable sculpted ceiling. It’s a quick visit, given the modest size of the building, but an excellent starting point for exploring the old town. This is one of the best activities in Lagos!
Our favorite moments
We particularly enjoyed admiring the façade of the church from the Praça Infante D. Henrique, which offers a magnificent view of the building. Inside, we recommend contemplating the overall view of the nave from the entrance landing, to fully appreciate the beauty of the carved ceiling and choir. Finally, take time toobserve the details of the high altar, the real jewel of this place of worship.
History in brief
- 15th century: construction of the original church, comprising a single nave with a rectangular plan, a raised main chapel, a baptistery and a choir
- 1755: Sainte-Marie de Grâce Church destroyed by earthquake after a fire
- Late 19th century: rebuilding of the present church, considered by the people to be the mother church for having replaced the old building.
WHERE TO STAY IN Lagos
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
Best hotel in Porto de Mós
Hotel Vivenda Miranda – See prices, photos and availability
Best hotel in Ponta da Piedade
Cascade Wellness Resort Hotel – See prices, photos and availability
Best hotel in Meia Praia
Aparthotel Palmares Signature – See prices, photos and availability
Best hotel in the old town
Hotel Lagos Avenida – See prices, photos and availability
Access and map: Church of Santa Maria de Lagos
Where is the church?
St. Mary’s Church is located in the heart of the old town of Lagos in the Algarve.
- It overlooks the Praça Infante D. Henrique
- Opposite the Musée de l’Esclavage
- 1min walk from Lagos Museum
- 1min walk from the remains of Lagos Castle
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN THE Algarve
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Don’t take a car that’s too wide, as old towns have narrow streets and small parking spaces.
- For more choice, book early.
Read our tips (coming soon)
How to get there?
St. Mary’s Church is easy to get to from the historic center of Lagos. You can get there on foot, making it a good starting point for exploring the city. The church is also easily accessible by bus thanks to the local network. The “Praça do Infante” stop is a 2-minute walk away and is served by numerous lines. To plan your journey, consult the timetables here.
Parking
Parking da Frente Ribeirinha is a 2-minute walk from the church. This covered parking lot is subject to a charge and offers a convenient solution for parking at the gateway to the historic center.
Useful tips: duration, schedules, eating…
Best time to visit
St. Mary’s Church is not very busy overall, so you can visit it at any time of day in good conditions. Nevertheless, bear in mind that there are more tourists in Lagos in summer, which can have a slight impact on crowds.
Length of visit and main difficulties
Allow 15-30 minutes to visit the church.
Access is straightforward, with just one step at the entrance, making the building accessible to people with reduced mobility.
Advice on how to visit
We recommend that you start by observing the façade of the church from the square, to get a good feel for it. Then enter the religious building and observe the nave as it moves towards the high altar. Turn around to look at the organ positioned above the entrance and admire the ornate ceiling. Finish your visit by returning to the entrance and observing the side chapels before exiting the building.
A LITTLE MORE patience
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Visiting with children
This tour is not particularly suitable for children, due to the contemplative nature of the building and its short duration.
Schedules and rates
Access to the church is free. Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 7pm, until 8pm on Saturday, closing at 1pm on Sunday.
Catering
The church has no catering facilities. Its downtown location gives you easy access to nearby restaurants. Check out our article on the best restaurants in Lagos to make sure you’re in for a treat!
The imposing presence of the church in the central square
As soon as we arrived on Praça Infante D. Henrique, we were struck by the majestic presence of Saint Mary’s Church, which completely dominates this central area of Lagos. Opposite the Musée de l’Esclavage, its sleek white facade is topped by two elegant bell towers that stand out harmoniously against the sky. Before entering the building, take a look at the statue of D. José Sebastiao de Almeida Neto – a Portuguese cardinal of the late 19th and early 20th centuries – positioned to the right of the church entrance. This sculpture testifies to the religious importance of the site and invites you to discover the interior of this sanctuary steeped in history.
A sober interior punctuated by sculpted details
Once inside, we discovered a relatively sober, uncluttered space. The carved ceiling is particularly eye-catching and adds a touch of elegance. You’ll notice the finely sculpted cherub heads that add character to the building. White walls contrast harmoniously with light gray ornamentation, creating a soothing atmosphere. The church is also home to a number of works of Sacred Art, including religious paintings that enrich contemplation. Classic wood furnishings, accented by a few rare touches of gold, complete a decor imbued with spirituality and refined simplicity.
The high altar, the jewel of the place
The main altar, undeniably the jewel in the crown of Saint Mary’s Church, caught our eye. Behind the Christ hanging on the cross is a luminous painting of winged figures, possibly angels, creating a striking effect of light and spirituality. The cross stands out perfectly on this luminous canvas, offering a unique perspective on this remarkable artistic ensemble.
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PLAN YOUR TRIP TO THE algarve
- Best of
Things to do in the Algarve
Most beautiful landscapes (coming soon)
Most beautiful towns and villages
Algarve’s most beautiful beaches
- Practical advice
When to go? (coming soon)
How to rent a car in the Algarve (coming soon)
Driving tips (coming soon)
How many days?
Itineraries (coming soon)
- The must-dos
Ponta da Piedade (coming soon)
Benagil cave (coming soon)
Praia da Marinha
Dolphin watching (coming soon)
What to do in Lagos
What to do in Portimao
What to do in Albufeira
What to do in Faro
