Capela dos Ossos

The walls and pillars of Capela dos Ossos display an arrangement of over 5000 human skulls and bones fixed together with cement throughout the structure.

Franciscan monks constructed this chapel during the 16th century to address the issue of overcrowded local cemeteries by relocating remains into the building walls.

The entrance inscription We bones that are here await yours reflects Portuguese religious perspectives on mortality and the temporary nature of human existence.

The chapel stands within Nossa Senhora da Expectação Church complex, allowing visitors to explore multiple religious structures during their visit to Campo Maior.

Natural light enters through three narrow windows, creating patterns on the thousands of human bones that form the structural elements of this religious building.

Location: Nossa Senhora da Expectação

GPS coordinates: 39.01265,-7.06972

Latest update: March 7, 2025 03:26