The Chapel of Bones, or Capela dos Ossos, in the Portuguese city of Évora, is the creepiest, but still one of the most interesting, tourist attractions I've ever visited!
Part of the Sao Francisco convict, it was built in the 17th century by the monks, as a comment on the transitory nature of life. Above the marble entrance the sign with the words “Nos ossos que aqui estamos pelos vossos esperamos” (we bones here for yours await) gives you a hint for what it is about to follow but the first steps inside are a bit shocking for the unsuspecting visitor.
All the walls are completely covered with the bones and skulls of around 5000 people and even two whole skeletons (one of them is a child) are resting on the back of the room!
The story (or the myth) says that the cemeteries of the town were full at the time of the chapel's construction and the monks came up with this idea to solve the problem and make a metaphysical statement at the same time! This unexpected decoration that gives it the looks of a crypt, is also the main reason that most of the tourists of Évora pay a visit to this unconventional chapel.
I knew in advance what it was all about and I entered knowing that it may be a disgusting spectacle but I was pleasantly surprised. In fact I found a very peaceful place, surprisingly comforting that had no repelling effect at all. On the bottom line, as said in the sonnet by Antonio da Ascensao that can be found in the chapel, what is more important than the realization of our path on this life!
I took these pictures during my trip to Portugal, last November. In case you missed my posts about that trip and you are interested to find out more about it, you can follow the links below:
My trip to Portugal. Part 1: Lisbon.
My trip to Portugal. Part 2: Evora.
My trip to Portugal. Part 3: On the road!
Thank you for reading and if you want to know more about me you can check out my introduction post.
Commenting, upvoting and resteeming are highly appreciated!
I have heard of this place before and I also saw a documentary about it so I don't think it would surprise me. It might be a little bit creepy but we have to look at why it was created and what it symbolizes. I was planning to go to Portugal again and when I do, this will be the place that I will visit :)
I like that you kept your photos B/W to emphasize the atmosphere. It's a very special place :)
Thank you for sharing and congratulations on your curie vote!
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Thank you @delishtreats, it is a very special place indeed, you should visit it!
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Hi fotostef,
Visit curiesteem.com or join the Curie Discord community to learn more.
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Thank you @curie, I really appreciate your support!
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Yay, you got a curie vote today too. What an interesting place. Great pictures.
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Thank you!
Yes, we both had a good steem day yesterday!
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What an "unconventional" as you say place you have shared with us. At first thought, a chapel covered with the bones of thousands of people just sounds creepy and quite morbid. But I can understand that the history and intent of the place is not. It is a thought provoking place however, and would lead to reflection on life and death, and I guess that was the intent of the monks.
Thanks for sharing this and congratulations on the @curie vote.
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Thank you @jk6276, it is truly an extraordinary place to be!
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woooaw....such a great place with great history in there. Indeed we are bones and we will return to bones one day. i really enjoyed every second i spent on the blog and i love your pictures so much and wait to see more great adventures from you soon
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Thank you @ferrate, I am really glad you enjoyed it!
There will be more adventures for sure :)
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You are humbly welcome and yes I know you will have more adventures and I will surely meet them when they are set running on the blockchain
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Hey @fotostef, awesome photo series! Crazy that you describe the atmosphere as comfortable :P
i would have bet that it is a strange scenery and people feel a bit scared!
Hope to see more from you,
Keep up the good work :)
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Thank you @mcnestler, I am glad you like my pictures!
I guess that it is a place that you have to be there to get the feeling! For sure it is unforgettable :)
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It sure looks creepy.... I'd probably puke but it's cool you had a nice time at the end of the day
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It is a very controversial sight, for sure!
Thank you for stopping by!
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Yeah
You welcome
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If you combine the photographs with the poem, I must say this has a shocking effect on anyone! We certainly do not think a lot about death. And if it comes to our head, we try to think of something else. We try to avoid it. It will eventually come to all of us.
Don't want to ruin your post with a lot of "death" comments, sorry :) The place looks very awesome. I can imagine the impression it leaves behind must have been quite an experince :)
Thanks for sharing these interesting photos @fotostef.
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Thank you @lion200 for stopping by!
You are not ruining the post, death is the leading character here :)
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Hahah yes it is isnt it :)) You’re welcome.
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