The Church of São Lourenço (St. Lawrence) in Almancil is considered one of the greatest artistic treasures in the Algarve. Built in the first half of the 18th century, it is a single nave church with a chancel covered by a beautiful dome. Extraordinary examples of Portuguese azulejos (traditional blue and white tiles) cover the walls and ceilings. Eight panels of tiles, designed by Policarpo de Oliveira Bernardes, describe various phases of the life of São Lourenço. The gilded Baroque altarpiece, with the image of the saint is believed to be crafted by the Algarve’s greatest sculptor and carver Manuel Martinez.
