Chapel of Bones (Capela dos Ossos)

Overview

The Chapel of Bones (Capela dos Ossos) is a macabre yet fascinating chapel in Évora, Portugal, decorated with the bones of over 5,000 monks. It serves as a reminder of the impermanence of life, with an inscription at the entrance reading 'Nos ossos que aqui estamos, pelos vossos esperamos' (We bones that are here, wait for yours).

The chapel is a poignant reminder of the transient nature of life and is an important part of Évora's rich history and cultural heritage.

Religious Site Historical Site

Location

Address

Coordinates: 38.56895053417071, -7.9088254

Neighborhood: Historic Center

Coordinates

38.568951, -7.908825

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

tuesday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

wednesday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

thursday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

friday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

saturday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

sunday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Admission

Adults

€2

Children

free

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

March-May, October

Best Time of Day

Early morning

fewer crowds

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

30 minutes

Recommended

1 hour

Full Experience

1.5 hours

Seasonal Highlights

spring

mild

• pleasant weather
• spring flowers in the surrounding area

summer

hot

• extended visiting hours

autumn

cool

• fall colors
• harvest festivals

winter

cold

• holiday decorations
• festive atmosphere

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Book ahead for guided tours
Respectful attire recommended
Check opening times

What to Bring

essential

ID comfortable shoes camera

seasonal

jacket in winter umbrella in spring and autumn

not allowed

large bags drones

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: low

• uneven flooring inside the chapel

Medical facilities: first aid available nearby

Payment Information

Accepted

cash, cards

Currency

Euro

Typical Costs

entry €2

guided tour €4

parking €1.50

food €10-15

Dress Code

respectful attire, comfortable shoes, comfortable walking shoes, inappropriate clothing

Booking Tips

• 1-2 weeks for guided tours
• official website or local tour operators
• 48 hours for guided tours
• available for guided tours

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Visit Évora App

Size: 40 MB

Features: Map, Audio guide, Tickets, Nearby attractions

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Nearby cafés

Charging Stations: Nearby cafés

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Lisbon Portela Airport

Distance: 135 km

Travel Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

taxi

€120-150 1 hour 30 minutes

public_transport

€25-30 2 hours 30 minutes

From City Center

Distance: 500m

walking

free 5-10 minutes

taxi

€5-10 5 minutes

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Unique historical site, part of Évora's rich heritage

Historical Significance: Built by Franciscan monks in the 16th century, serves as a reminder of the transient nature of life

Insider Tips

Visit early for a peaceful experience
Combine with a visit to the Roman Temple and Évora Cathedral
Try local pastries at nearby cafés

Local Recommendations

• Try local pastries at a nearby café
• Visit the Roman Temple of Évora
• Explore the historic center on foot

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Olá

thank_you Obrigado/Obrigada

where_is Onde é?

how_much Quanto custa?

beautiful Lindo/Linda

ticket Bilhete

Guide Languages: Portuguese, English, Spanish, French

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Main entrance

Best Time: Early morning or late afternoon

Tips: Capture the intricate details of the bones and the inscription

Result: Unique and thought-provoking shots

#ChapelOfBones #CapelaDosOssos #Évora #Portugal #TravelPortugal #HistoricalPortugal #MacabreBeauty

Photography Rules

allowed areas outdoor areas, main chapel area

prohibited areas restricted sections during guided tours

flash photography not allowed during guided tours

commercial photography permit needed

drone policy prohibited

tripod policy restricted, only with special permission

selfie sticks allowed but use discreetly

Nearby Attractions

Roman Temple of Évora

Distance: 200m

Walking: 3 minutes

Type: Historical Site

Évora Cathedral

Distance: 300m

Walking: 5 minutes

Type: Religious Site

Public Gardens of Évora (Jardim Público de Évora)

Distance: 400m

Walking: 7 minutes

Type: Park

Reviews

4.5

Based on 5,000 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

"Book a guided tour"
"Visit early in the morning"
"Combine with other historic sites in Évora"

Contact Information

+351 266 707 903

info@capeladosossos.pt

www.capeladosossos.pt

Social Media

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