Wanderyn
Capela dos Ossos
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
poi · PT

Capela dos Ossos

Getting around: The Chapel of Bones is actually in Évora, not Faro — if starting from Faro it's about a 1.5-2 hour drive or bus ride north. Within Évora, it's attached to the Church of St Francis in the city center, an easy walk from the main square.
Hours: Typically open daily, roughly 09:00-18:30 in summer and shorter hours in winter (often 09:00-17:00), with a midday closure possible — check current times, as small chapels like this adjust seasonally.

The Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones), attached to Évora's Church of St Francis, is lined floor to ceiling with the skulls and bones of an estimated 5,000 people, arranged by Franciscan monks in the 16th century as a memento mori. An inscription over the entrance reads 'Nós ossos que aqui estamos, pelos vossos esperamos' — 'We bones that are here, wait for yours.'

It's a small, dim, unusual space, more solemn and reflective than macabre in tone, built as a meditation on mortality rather than a shock attraction, though it has become one of Évora's best-known sights regardless of intent. A visit takes only a few minutes but leaves a strong impression.

Capela dos Ossos FAQs

Is the Chapel of Bones actually in Faro?

No — despite sometimes being grouped with Algarve itineraries, it's in Évora, in the Alentejo region, roughly 1.5-2 hours from Faro by car.

Why was the chapel built with human bones?

16th-century Franciscan monks built it as a memento mori — a meditation on mortality — using remains exhumed from overcrowded local cemeteries.

How many bones are in the chapel?

Estimates suggest around 5,000 sets of human remains line the walls and pillars.

How long does a visit take?

Just 10-15 minutes, given the chapel's small size, though many visitors linger to read the inscriptions and take in the atmosphere.

Is the chapel appropriate for children?

It can be unsettling for younger children given the imagery, though many families visit without issue — use your judgment based on your child's sensitivity.

Your travel graph
Ready to plan Capela dos Ossos?Planning a trip soon? Add it to build an itinerary.

Reviews/Comments

No comments yet — be the first.