Capela dos Ossos

Capela dos Ossos is a chapel in the city of Évora whose interior walls and pillars are completely covered with human skulls and bones. The narrow windows on the left side let in soft light that illuminates the surfaces made of remains and gives the room a particular feel.

Franciscans built this room in the 16th century and used remains from local cemeteries to create a place for contemplation about transience. The chapel later became part of a larger church complex in Évora.

The name refers to the bones covering the walls and pillars, showing the Franciscan meditation on the passing nature of life. Visitors enter a small room where silence and the arrangement of remains invite reflection.

Access is through the Igreja de São Francisco church, in whose side area the chapel is located. The interior is small, so waiting times may occur when there are many visitors.

Two preserved bodies, including one of a child, hang in glass cases on chains inside the room. The white-painted brick walls of the chapel form a contrast to the darker bones attached to them.

Location: Évora

Part of: Igreja de São Francisco

GPS coordinates: 38.56889,-7.90833

Latest update: December 12, 2025 18:00