Igreja de São Sebastião, Catholic church in Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal.
Igreja de São Sebastião is a Catholic church in Ponta Delgada that combines Manueline and Baroque architectural styles. The building features ornately carved doorways and detailed cedarwood carvings that run throughout its interior.
Construction took place between 1531 and 1547, replacing a smaller chapel that previously occupied this location on Largo da Matriz. This building effort was part of the early settlement and religious development of the Azores by Portuguese colonists.
The sacristy holds embroidered vestments from the 16th century decorated with gold thread, along with furniture made from Jacaranda wood. These objects reveal the craftsmanship and resources that the church commanded during its early years.
The building is not fully accessible for wheelchair users, so visitors should consider their mobility needs when planning a visit. It is advisable to check mass schedules beforehand to plan any time spent inside the church.
The interior contains rare wood carvings made from ebony, complemented by tile panels from the 17th and 18th centuries and religious statues. This combination of exotic materials and crafted details stands out in the region.
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