Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones), Evora (must see)

The Chapel of Bones, located in Évora, is a hauntingly unique and intriguing monument that has captivated visitors from around the world. Situated adjacent to the entrance of the Church of St. Francis, this small interior chapel stands as a somber reminder of mortality and the transient nature of human existence. Its name alone - "Chapel of Bones" - evokes a sense of both curiosity and solemn reflection.

The history of the Chapel of Bones dates back to the Franciscan friars who constructed it. This chapel serves as a macabre embodiment of their philosophy, demonstrating the impermanence of life and the inevitability of death. In a display that can be both chilling and awe-inspiring, the interior walls are adorned with thousands of human skulls and bones. These bones were sourced from the remains of ordinary people who were once interred in Évora's medieval cemeteries.

The process of creating this morbid yet strangely artistic arrangement involved exhuming approximately 5,000 corpses. These remains were then meticulously positioned by the Franciscans to form an assortment of patterns and designs, transforming the chapel into a labyrinth of bones. The architecture of the chapel is also noteworthy, with three spans measuring 18.7 meters in length and 11 meters in width. Illumination filters through three small openings on the left, casting an eerie light upon the walls of bones.