it is a little bit of a memento mori...The Chapel of Bones is part of the larger Royal Church of St. Francis and was constructed by Franciscan monks in the late 16th century. The purpose of the Chapel is made clear by a poem, written by Father Antonio da Ascencao, that hangs from one pillars: Where are you going in... More

this chapel is behind igreja de sao francisco and is definitely worth seeing. it's made of the bones and skulls of around 5000 - which is pretty mind-boggling. the chapel is a bit creepy and the whole place is a little macabre, but it's also strangely beautiful. we managed to escape the tour groups, so were able to have a... More

What an eery feeling to be in a chapel constructed almost entirely of human remains. Extremely memorable and quite macabre. Certainly worth seeing. More

This little chapel was delightfully eerie. Be careful they don't overcharge you at the door...it should only cost 2 euro pp More

You are unlikely to see another. Kind of creepy, but the Franciscan monks thought it would make us think of our mortality. More

I had seen it years ago and hadn't appreciated it--there are thousands of bones and sculls in the walls. Our local guide explained that the purpose was for the monks to meditate on the fact that life is impermanent and that we will all die. It now makes me appreciate life. More

It still accomplishes its original goal. It makes you think that we are here only temporarily. More

A Chapel primarily constructed of 5000 dead peoples bones. I can imagine the organiser of this Chapel suggesting his grand idea. Well, it not only met with approval but is certainly very interesting. The idea demonstrates that we will all at some stage join these bones. For 2 Euro you can have a look at the skulls and bones and... More

Very interesting, humbling experience. It doesn't take very long to visit, and it is worth a look. More