Évora, Portugal, a UNESCO World Heritage city, is renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture, Roman Temple, and charming whitewashed houses, offering a glimpse into the country’s rich history and culture.
Portugal: Évora – Chapel of Bones (Capela dos Ossos)
The Igreja e Mosteiro de São Francisco is one of Évora’s most significant historical and architectural landmarks. Built in the late 15th and early 16th centuries, this church and monastery complex is a prime example of the Manueline and Gothic architectural styles, showcasing Portugal’s rich religious and artistic heritage.
The Church and Monastery of São Francisco were originally founded in the 13th century but underwent significant reconstruction during the reign of King John II (João II) and King Manuel I in the late 1400s. It was closely associated with the Portuguese royal family, often serving as a place of worship for monarchs.
During its history, the complex played an essential role in Évora’s religious and cultural life, hosting Franciscan monks who contributed to the city’s spiritual and educational development.
The church was wonderful but it was not the reason we had come to see it. We went inside to check out its Gothic interior. The main attraction of this church is a side chapel called the Chapel of Bones (Capela dos Ossos). This chapel has a vaulted ceiling supported by eight columns, which is about the only part of the chapel that is not covered in human skulls and bones. It is estimated that over 5,000 skulls decorate the chapel, many of which were dug up from the many monastic cemeteries in the area. Cemeteries were taking up too much space and the idea of moving the bones to a single consecrated space came before one 16th-century monk spotted an opportunity. Rather than storing the bones away from view, it was seized upon as an opportunity to transmit the message of the inevitability of death and the transience of out of existence.
To reinforce this message there are various ‘death motifs’ around the chapel. Over the entrance are the words ”Nós ossos que aqui estamos pelos vossos esperamos” which translates to “We, the bones that are here, await yours.”. Other nuggets of fatalistic wisdom include “I leave, but I don’t die” and “I die in the light”.
Whilst some sources state the bones in Capela dos Ossos were of Franciscan monks, the sheer number suggests otherwise. Some say that they are the bones of plague victims or soldiers fallen in battle, however, it is more likely they are just the remains of generations of the townsfolk of Evora.
In the same building as the chapel there is a small museum of religious treasures and more interesting to us a collection of nativity sets. We’d enjoyed seeing a display of these in Mexico City earlier in the year, but these were very different – some traditional and some contemporary. There were even some that fitted inside a matchbox!
A bonus of our visit to the church and chapel was we got to the roof-top of the building which had some lovely views across the city.
Planning your visit to Capela dos Ossos
CONTACT INFORMATION
Website: https://igrejadesaofrancisco.pt/
Tel: 266 704 521
CHURCH AND MUSEUM CENTERS
Open every day except: 1st January, Easter Sunday, 24th December afternoon and 25th December.
TIMETABLES
- Summer: 9:00 am to 6:30 pm
- Winter: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
PRICES
SINGLE TICKET to visit all the museum areas of the Chapel of Bones , Chapter Room and Nativity Scene in Évora, the Sacred Art Museum Center and the Royal Tribune Room, Multimedia Room, Galilé Terrace and the Canha da Silva Nativity Scene Collection
- €6.00 ADULT
- €4.00 YOUNG PEOPLE up to 25
- €4.00 SENIOR over 65
- €4.00 DISABLED PEOPLE and accompanying persons
- €15,00 FAMILY 2 adults + young people
- FREE CHILDREN under 12 years old
Getting to and around Évora
Getting to Rhodes, Greece
Getting to Évora, Portugal is quite straightforward, with several convenient options depending on your travel style and schedule. Below is an overview of common routes and transportation methods:
1. Arriving by Air
Most international travelers fly into Lisbon Portela Airport, which is the main gateway into Portugal. Once in Lisbon, you can connect to Évora via ground transportation.
2. From Lisbon to Évora
By Car:
Renting a car gives you the flexibility to explore at your own pace. Évora is approximately 130 km east of Lisbon, and the drive typically takes about 1.5 hours via the A6 motorway. This route is scenic and straightforward.By Train:
There are train services connecting Lisbon to Évora, though schedules can be limited. Trains usually depart from Lisbon’s Oriente station, and the journey lasts around 1.5 hours. It’s a comfortable option if you prefer a relaxed ride without the stress of driving.By Bus:
Intercity buses, such as those operated by Rede Expressos, run between Lisbon and Évora. The bus journey can take about 1.5 to 2 hours, and buses are a cost-effective way to travel. Tickets are typically available online or at major bus stations in Lisbon.
3. Local Transportation in Évora
Once you arrive in Évora, the historic city center is best explored on foot. Taxis and local buses are also available if you plan to travel further afield within the region.
The best time to visit
The best time to visit Évora, Portugal, is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these seasons, the weather is pleasant, and the city is less crowded compared to peak summer months.
Best Seasons to Visit Évora:
Spring (March – May)
- Temperatures: 15-25°C (59-77°F)
- The countryside is lush and green with blooming flowers.
- Perfect for exploring historical sites like the Roman Temple and Chapel of Bones.
- Ideal for wine tasting in the Alentejo wine region.
Autumn (September – November)
- Temperatures: 15-28°C (59-82°F)
- The summer crowds have left, but the weather is still warm.
- Beautiful golden hues in the Alentejo vineyards.
- A great time for gastronomy, as local produce and wines are at their best.
When to Avoid:
Summer (June – August)
- Extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 35-40°C (95-104°F).
- Many locals take vacations, so some smaller businesses may be closed.
- Can be crowded with tourists.
Winter (December – February)
- Cooler temperatures: 5-15°C (41-59°F).
- Quieter but can be rainy and damp.
- Still great for museums and historical exploration.
Where to stay
1. Mid Range: Stay Hotel Évora Centro
Stay Hotel Évora Centro is a modern, centrally located hotel in the heart of Évora, Portugal. Set in a charming whitewashed building with distinctive red roof tiles, the hotel offers a comfortable and contemporary stay ideal for exploring this UNESCO World Heritage city.
Key Highlights
Location:
Situated at Travessa da Milheira 19, the hotel is perfectly placed in Évora’s historic center. Major attractions like the Roman Temple to Diana and Convento de Santa Clara Monastery are just a short walk away, making it an excellent base for sightseeing.Accommodations:
With 45 spacious and well-appointed rooms, guests can choose from options such as single, double, twin, and triple rooms. Each room is bright and air-conditioned, featuring colorful decor, LCD cable TV, a work desk, and private bathrooms stocked with complimentary toiletries and a hairdryer.
2. Luxury – M’AR De AR Aqueduto
M’AR De AR Aqueduto is a 5‑star boutique hotel and spa set in the heart of Évora’s historic center. Housed in a renovated 16th‑century palace (the former Palácio dos Sepúlveda), the property beautifully marries its heritage—with features like a preserved chapel, vaulted ceilings, and Manueline windows—with a modern, contemporary design.
Key Features
- Accommodation: The hotel offers 64 elegantly designed rooms in various categories (classic rooms with city or garden views, palace suites, etc.), all equipped with modern amenities such as LCD TVs, work areas, Nespresso machines, and complimentary Wi‑Fi.
- Spa & Wellness: A 220m² spa is available for relaxation and rejuvenation, featuring facilities like an indoor pool, sauna, and a range of treatments.
3. Budget – Moov Hotel Évora
Moov Hotel Évora is a modern, eco-friendly hotel uniquely set within a former bullring in the historic heart of Évora, Portugal. Its minimalist design and thoughtful use of space are reflected throughout the property, which is built around a charming inner courtyard. Here are some key highlights:
Prime Location
- Historic Setting: Located at Rua do Raimundo 99, the hotel is within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city center. This means you’re just a short stroll away from landmarks like Giraldo Square, Évora Cathedral, and the Temple of Diana.
- Accessibility: It’s conveniently situated near public transport—with Évora Train Station only a 4-minute drive away—making day trips to Lisbon and other attractions quite easy.
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