Review: Capela Dos Ossos

So, what exactly is this place, and where can we find it?
This 15th-century "Cathedral of Bones" is a fascinating look at Evora's dark past—it's creepy, but it's a must. Situated next to The Church of St. Francis, the building is unassuming on the outside, yet the interior is covered in (gulp) human skulls and bones, all built in the 16th century by a Franciscan monk.

Oof. Sounds ... interesting. Tell us more.
The church itself might be small in size, but the impact it has on those brave enough to enter is profound—and that was the intention. The original purpose behind the morbid installation was to present onlookers with a memento mori, a symbol for them to contemplate life and death.

That is fascinating! But, whose bones are these?
It’s estimated that the bones comprising the exhibit were accrued from roughly 5,000 skeletons, excavated from regional cemeteries. Though such a thing would be hard to imagine now, the exhibit serves as a fascinating, if somewhat difficult, look back on Evora’s history.

Indeed. Are there a lot of other people here, gawking?
The cathedral draws quite a crowd—go early when there are fewer people. The crowd tends to be a mix of everyone from curious locals to appalled tourists. History buffs will likely find the most appreciation.

Got it. On the practical side, how were the facilities?
The small one-room space is easy to see quickly, though there are several benches too.

Perfect. Any guided tours worth trying, or can we parse this on our own?
Information is available at the front desk, and placards are installed throughout.

Excellent. Is there a gift shop we can stop in (and if there is, should we)?
With only a limited number of memorabilia, this isn't a necessary stop.

Alright. How about the food—is there a café in here?
You won’t find a cafe here, but there are plenty nearby.

Cool. Any last advice for the time- or attention-challenged?
This one-hit wonder can be seen in a quick 15-minute stop.