Capela dos Ossos, Evora, Portugal, The Chapel of Bones

T. Mark Mangum
Paranormal Insight
Published in
7 min readJul 17, 2023

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Photo by Miguel Alcântara on Unsplash

For the adventurous traveler seeking a unique and spine-chilling experience, few places can rival the eerie allure of the Capela dos Ossos in Évora, Portugal. This haunting destination has become a popular attraction for those intrigued by dark tourism, where visitors are drawn to sites associated with death, tragedy, and the macabre. With its miles of skeletal remains and an atmosphere that exudes otherworldly energy, Capela dos Ossos offers a captivating journey into the past and the human fascination with mortality.

Situated in the picturesque city of Évora, the Capela dos Ossos, or Chapel of Bones, is a part of the larger Royal Church of St. Francis, founded in the 14th century. This unique chapel, adorned with human bones and skulls, was created by Franciscan monks who sought to convey the transient nature of human existence. As you enter the chapel, the walls adorned with thousands of bones draw you into a somber reflection on life’s impermanence. The ceiling inlaid with the phrase “Nós ossos que aqui estamos, pelos vossos esperamos” (We bones that are here await yours) serves as a chilling reminder of mortality.

Évora, the closest city to the Capela dos Ossos, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture and rich historical heritage. Visitors can explore ancient Roman ruins…

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T. Mark Mangum
Paranormal Insight

For the serious reader. Short, compelling fiction for the serious reader. I use Imagination, wonder, and surprise to create my tales. Please Enjoy reading them.