The Chapel of Bones (Portuguese: Capela dos Ossos) is one of the most striking and unusual landmarks in Évora, Portugal. Located inside the Church of St. Francis (Igreja de São Francisco), this macabre yet fascinating chapel draws thousands of curious visitors each year. What makes it truly remarkable is its interior, which is entirely decorated with the bones and skulls of over 5,000 human skeletons.
Far from being just a gruesome sight, the Chapel of Bones was created in the 16th century by a Franciscan monk with a philosophical message in mind. As you enter, a chilling inscription welcomes you: “Nós ossos que aqui estamos pelos vossos esperamos” (“We bones that are here await yours”). The chapel serves as a powerful reminder of the inevitability of death, intended to encourage contemplation about the transience of life.
How to Reach Chapel of Bones, Évora
The Chapel of Bones is located in the city center of Évora, close to several major attractions like the Roman Temple and Évora Cathedral.
- By Foot: If you're exploring Évora’s old town, the chapel is a 5-minute walk from Praça do Giraldo and easily accessible from other major sites.
- By Car: Évora is about 130 km from Lisbon. Take the A2 and A6 highways. There are parking lots outside the old town, as driving through narrow streets can be difficult.
- By Train: Regular trains run from Lisbon to Évora (about 1.5 hours). From the train station, it’s around a 20-minute walk or a short taxi ride.
- By Bus: Buses also connect Lisbon and Évora. The bus station is within walking distance of the historic city center.
Weather at Chapel of Bones, Évora
Évora enjoys a Mediterranean climate, making it a pleasant destination most of the year.
- Spring (March–May): Ideal for visiting. Expect mild temperatures (15–25°C) and blooming city gardens.
- Summer (June–August): Very hot and dry, often over 35°C. The chapel’s cool stone interior offers some relief from the heat.
- Autumn (September–November): Mild and scenic, with temperatures between 17°C and 28°C. A quieter time for visits.
- Winter (December–February): Cool but not harsh, with temperatures around 10–15°C. A good time to avoid the crowds.
Timings and Opening Hours
- Opening Hours:
Monday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM (last admission at 6:00 PM)
Closed on January 1st, Easter Sunday, and December 25th
- Visit Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour, including time to explore the church and museum.
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowd times.
Why Famous for Chapel of Bones, Évora?
The Chapel of Bones is famous for:
- Unique Interior: Decorated entirely with real human bones and skulls arranged in artistic patterns.
- Spiritual and Philosophical Message: Encourages reflection on mortality and the value of life.
- Cultural Importance: A significant religious and historical site created by the Franciscan monks.
- Architectural Curiosity: Combines artistic, religious, and architectural elements in a way few other chapels do.
Entry and Visit Details
- Admission Fee:
Adults: €5.00
Children (under 12): Free
Students and seniors: €3.50 (discounted tickets available with valid ID)
- Includes Access To: Chapel of Bones, Church of St. Francis, Nativity Scene Museum, and Religious Art Exhibits.
- Accessibility: Partially accessible; some steps and narrow entries may be challenging for visitors with mobility issues.
- Photography: Allowed without flash. Respectful behavior is expected inside the chapel.
History and Architecture
The Chapel of Bones was constructed in the 16th century during a time when Évora had more than 40 cemeteries. The Franciscan monks decided to exhume thousands of skeletons from these overcrowded burial sites and use them to construct a chapel that would encourage spiritual reflection.
Architecturally, the chapel is relatively small, about 19 meters long and 11 meters wide. The interior walls and columns are covered with bones, mostly femurs, and skulls arranged in geometric patterns. Even the vaulted ceiling is adorned with bones, integrated with ornate tiles and religious frescoes. The chapel has three small naves supported by eight pillars, all made from or covered with human remains.
Despite its eerie appearance, the design and atmosphere are respectful and contemplative. The goal of the monks was to instill a message: that earthly life is fleeting and all should prepare for what comes after.
Things to Do at Chapel of Bones
- Explore the Chapel: Walk through the bone-lined interior and reflect on the philosophical message of the space.
- Visit the Church of St. Francis: Admire its Gothic-Manueline façade and 16th-century altarpieces.
- Check Out the Nativity Museum: Home to one of the largest collections of nativity scenes in Portugal.
- View the Exhibitions: The complex includes exhibits of religious artifacts, paintings, and vestments.
- Buy Souvenirs: The chapel’s gift shop sells books, postcards, and items related to Évora’s history and religion.
Interesting Facts about the Chapel of Bones
- Over 5,000 human skeletons were used to build the chapel.
- The bones were taken from cemeteries that were closed during the 16th century.
- The chapel was inspired by similar ossuaries in Italy and Spain.
- A poem about death and eternity is inscribed on one of the walls.
- Two desiccated corpses, including that of a child, hang from a wall as a visual reminder of mortality.
Tips for Visiting Chapel of Bones, Évora
- Visit early to avoid crowds, especially during peak tourist months.
- Be respectful—this is a sacred site and a place of contemplation.
- Bring a camera but disable your flash. The low lighting preserves the bones and atmosphere.
- Wear comfortable shoes; the floor is made of stone and may be uneven in places.
- Combine your visit with nearby attractions like Évora Cathedral and the Roman Temple for a full historical experience.
