About Capela dos Ossos

If you think you have seen it all, then you couldn’t be further away from the truth. There is a mysterious and eerie chapel in Evora that is dedicated to bones! It is called the Capela dos Ossos or the Chapel of Bones, for obvious reasons. This is, without a doubt, a very popular tourist attraction. It attracts locals as well as tourists. Interestingly, in the 16th century, numerous bodies in the city graveyards were exhumed and placed in this small sanctuary, which now serves as their final resting place. This was done to make a place for new bodies to be buried in the graveyards. The chapel also aligned with the Counter-Reformation belief of the time that the exhumed bodies would be closer to God. This is a very fascinating example of space management, religious belief, and tourism in one!

Following the ‘theme’ and vibe of the chapel, the main entrance has been inscribed with these words: “We, the bones that are here await yours.” This isn’t all. As tourists enter the chapel, they can’t help but get goosebumps from all the human bones that have been merged and embedded in the chapel’s interior. Around 5,000 bones line the walls of the chapel, while skulls are used to adorn the walls and roof! Although the chapel is small, it does pack a bone-chilling experience that you are sure to remember for decades on end!

Must See

  • Although the Chapel is small, it's astonishing to see the skulls on the wall.
  • Make sure to visit each corner of the chapel from inside.
  • Around 5,000 bones line the walls of the chapel.
  • Don't forget to check the roof and the corners which are adorned with skulls.

How to reach

It is 133 km away from the city centre. You need to catch bus No. 28 and 32 which will cost you around 12€ - 16€.

You can also hire a private taxi which can cost you 85€ - 110€  and will take 1.45 minutes to reach.

Tips

  • Make sure you carry your camera to capture the beauty.
  • Do not damage the skulls or bones on the pillars and walls.
  • Maintain silence inside the premises.
  • Visit during morning time to avoid the rush.
  • Outside food is not allowed.
  • Pets are not allowed.
  • Heavy luggage is not permitted inside.
  • Cash and Card are accepted.
  • Wheelchair assistance is available.

Visit Time

Sunday:           10.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m.

Monday:           10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.

Tuesday:          10.30 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.

Wednesday:     10.30 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.

Thursday:         10.30 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.

Friday:              10.30 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.

Saturday:          10.30 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.

Time Icon

Waiting Time

15 minutes

 

Entrance Fee Icon

Entrance Fee

Yes

The entrance fee to the Chapel is €2.00

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Time you can spend Icon

Time you can spend

1 hour

 

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Weather

Clear Sky 9.67°C

 

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