The Chapel of Bones, or Capela dos Ossos, in the Portuguese city of Évora, is the creepiest, but still one of the most interesting, tourist attractions I've ever visited!
Part of the Sao Francisco convict, it was built in the 17th century by the monks, as a comment on the transitory nature of life. Above the marble entrance the sign with the words “Nos ossos que aqui estamos pelos vossos esperamos” (we bones here for yours await) gives you a hint for what it is about to follow but the first steps inside are a bit shocking for the unsuspecting visitor.
All the walls are completely covered with the bones and skulls of around 5000 people and even two whole skeletons (one of them is a child) are resting on the back of the room!
The story (or the myth) says that the cemeteries of the town were full at the time of the chapel's construction and the monks came up with this idea to solve the problem and make a metaphysical statement at the same time! This unexpected decoration that gives it the looks of a crypt, is also the main reason that most of the tourists of Évora pay a visit to this unconventional chapel.
I knew in advance what it was all about and I entered knowing that it may be a disgusting spectacle but I was pleasantly surprised. In fact I found a very peaceful place, surprisingly comforting that had no repelling effect at all. On the bottom line, as said in the sonnet by Antonio da Ascensao that can be found in the chapel, what is more important than the realization of our path on this life!
I took these pictures during my trip to Portugal, last November. In case you missed my posts about that trip and you are interested to find out more about it, you can follow the links below:
My trip to Portugal. Part 1: Lisbon.
My trip to Portugal. Part 2: Evora.
My trip to Portugal. Part 3: On the road!
All the pictures and the words are mine.
Thank you for reading and if you want to know more about me you can check out my introduction post.
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