Igreja de São Francisco, Church building in Évora, Portugal
Igreja de São Francisco is a church in Évora with a main nave reaching about 24 meters in height, featuring ten lateral chapels adorned with gilded and polychrome altarpieces. The space is shaped by these richly decorated side chapels that line the length of the main nave.
Construction began in 1475 under King Afonso V and finished in 1550 under King João III, combining Gothic and Manueline architectural elements. This extended building period reflects the architectural changes that took place in Portugal during those decades.
The church received the title Royal Chapel during King Alfonso V's reign, as shown by the numerous royal coats of arms visible on its walls and surfaces. This royal connection shaped how the space was decorated and treated over the centuries.
The church is easily reached on foot and most areas inside are relatively accessible for visitors who want to explore the interior. There are limited seating areas, and it is wise to check beforehand if certain areas like the bone chapel are open for viewing at the time of your visit.
One area of this building holds bones and skulls of about 5000 people arranged deliberately on the walls to prompt reflection on human mortality. This unusual arrangement was a spiritual method to encourage deeper thought about life and death.
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