Capela dos Ossos, Catholic ossuary chapel at Igreja do Carmo, Faro, Portugal
The Capela dos Ossos contains walls and ceilings constructed from human bones, with 1,245 skulls arranged in geometric patterns throughout the structure.
Built in 1816, this chapel provided a solution for overcrowded cemeteries by housing the remains of Carmelite monks from nearby burial grounds.
The inscription at the entrance reminds visitors to contemplate mortality with the message 'Stop here and consider that you will reach this state too'.
The chapel opens Monday through Friday from 10:00 to 13:00 and 15:00 to 17:30, Saturday from 10:00 to 13:00, with an entrance fee of 2 euros.
A complete skeleton covered in gold hangs at the front of the chapel, while femurs held together with mortar form the structural elements of the walls.
Location: Faro
Inception: 1816
Part of: Igreja do Carmo
GPS coordinates: 37.01611,-7.93194
Latest update: March 10, 2025 14:03
Underground structures and natural caves across countries, from ancient burial grounds to mining sites. These locations display geological features and historical developments of human civilization.
European crypts and catacombs form a network of underground burial chambers beneath urban streets. These spaces house tombs, skeletal remains, and religious monuments from different historical periods. The chambers contain frescoes, mosaics, stone carvings and architectural elements that combine Roman, Egyptian and Christian designs. The structures reveal burial customs and religious practices from the 1st through 19th centuries.
The inland Algarve contains nature reserves, medieval castles, and Roman ruins. The region includes thermal springs in Monchique, the red sandstone castle of Silves, and the bone chapel in Faro. Natural parks like Ria Formosa host multiple bird species. Historical villages, coastal fortresses, and lighthouses mark the landscape.
The Algarve region offers diverse photo opportunities from coastal formations to historical structures. The Benagil cave displays a natural ceiling opening, while Ponta da Piedade presents limestone cliffs by the Atlantic. The red sandstone Castle of Silves stands on a hill, and Capela dos Ossos shows architectural elements made of bones. The region includes beaches like Praia da Marinha with rock formations, and natural areas such as Ria Formosa with its water channels and wildlife. Historical sites include the Sagres Fortress and Roman ruins at Cerro da Villa.
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