Igreja de Santo António (Santo Antonio Church), Lagos (must see)

Saint Anthony Church stands in the historic centre of Lagos, close to the old city walls, and is one of the town’s most artistically striking religious buildings. In 1707, the Brotherhood of Saint Anthony erected a church dedicated to the saint that was not attached to a Franciscan priory or convent-an unusual decision that reflected Saint Anthony’s special status in the city. Since 1668, Saint Anthony had been formally attached to Infantry Regiment No. 2 of Lagos. As part of the regiment, he was paid a salary by the regimental command, making him the only canonised saint known to have received wages for his services. He even received promotions, eventually attaining the rank of colonel.

The church suffered severe damage in the earthquake of 1755 and was extensively rebuilt in the second half of the 18th century, giving it much of its present Baroque character. The exterior is largely composed of smooth masonry, with a Baroque façade marked by a niche above the main door and an oculus decorated with shells. A shield framed by branches crowns the façade. Along the side, an arched opening forms a vaulted porch, and two differently shaped bell towers add variety to the skyline.

To enter the church, you need to look for a small sliding gate on the same side of the street, toward the southeast. This gate leads into the Municipal Museum of Lagos, which houses an impressive collection of sacred art, including paintings and 17th-century carvings. As the museum is physically attached to the church, the only way to access the interior is by passing through the museum’s archaeological circuit. At the end of the route, a green door set into a discreet doorway leads into the church’s single aisle.

Once inside, the interior reveals its full splendour. Sumptuous Baroque decoration and gilded woodcarving cover the walls and altarpieces. Where the gold leaf ends, along the lower half of the walls, white and blue azulejo tiles begin, creating a striking visual contrast. Looking upward, the ceiling offers a masterclass in architectural illusion. Although it is constructed of flat wood, painted perspective creates the impression of a three-dimensional stone vault complete with balconies and columns. At the very centre appears the Portuguese Royal Coat of Arms.