The Chapel of Bones in Evora

The Chapel of Bones in Évora is one of Portugal’s most unforgettable sights: a small chapel whose walls and pillars are lined with thousands of human skulls and bones. It’s eerie, fascinating and surprisingly peaceful. Here’s how to visit, and what else to see in Évora.

Quick answer: the Capela dos Ossos is part of the Church of São Francisco in central Évora. Allow 45 minutes including the church and museum. Évora is about 1.5 hours from Lisbon by train, bus or car, so it’s an easy day trip. See Évora day trips from Lisbon.

About the chapel

Franciscan monks built the chapel in the 16th century, using bones from overcrowded local cemeteries. Their purpose was to make people reflect on the shortness of life. Over the entrance, an inscription reads (in translation), “We bones that are here are waiting for yours.”

What to see

• The chapel: walls and columns patterned with skulls and bones.
• The Church of São Francisco: a large Gothic-Manueline church.
• The museum and terraces above, with views over Évora’s rooftops.

More in Évora

• The Roman Temple: the remarkably intact columns of a 1st-century temple.
• The cathedral: climb to the roof for views.
• Praça do Giraldo: the main square, full of cafés.
• The aqueduct with houses built into its arches.
• Alentejo food and wine. See Alentejo wine tours.
• The Almendres Cromlech: a prehistoric stone circle outside town.

See Évora and the Alentejo.

Tips

• Respect: it’s a religious site, so keep your voice down.
• Kids: some children find it fascinating, others may find it frightening.
• Summer heat: Évora is very hot in July and August. Visit early.
• Stay over: Évora is lovely in the evening. See where to stay in Évora.

More: the best day trips from Lisbon and UNESCO sites in Portugal.

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