The bones of 5,000 monks to build the chapel in Évora

The Capela dos Ossos, also known as the Chapel of Bones, was built in the 16th century by Franciscan monks in Évora, in the Alentejo region, and is attributed to three monks in particular: Brother João Evangelista, Brother Luís de Montesanto and Brother Pedro Gigante. These Franciscan monks created this unique place of devotion using the bones of thousands of deceased from local cemeteries. The religious building represents the fragility of human life. It promotes meditation and reflection on life, but also... on death. Although the concept of the Capela dos Ossos may seem macabre, or at least surprising, the monks have used this aesthetic to create a place of beauty and reflection, using human bones to adorn the walls of the chapel and make them more symbolic.

It is difficult to give a precise figure for the number of bones used to build the Capela dos Ossos as there is no exact count, but it is estimated that the bones of several thousand monks were used to decorate the walls and pillars of the chapel. All the bones used came from the local cemeteries in Évora, which were often overcrowded. The construction of the chapel more or less made room for new deceased.

Franciscan monks are known for their commitment to poverty, humility, simplicity and fraternity. In the 15th century, the Franciscan order founded the monastery of Batalha, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture that has become one of Portugal's national symbols. The monastery was built to celebrate the Portuguese victory over the Castilians at the Battle of Aljubarrota. In the 18th century, the Franciscan order founded the convent of Mafra, another masterpiece of Baroque architecture that has become one of Portugal's most popular tourist destinations. The convent was built to house a large library and collection of rare manuscripts, as well as to provide education for young Portuguese. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, the Franciscans are still active in teaching and research, and continue to play an important role in the spiritual and cultural life of Portugal.

Of all the wonders of the world, there are few monuments built from human bones. Apart from a few ossuaries such as the Capuchin Crypt in Rome or the Tower of Skulls in Fougères, it is rare to visit a building whose walls are decorated with skulls. Most of the time, the bones used are generally those of people who have been dead for a long time, whose graves have been opened or moved for various reasons, such as overcrowding in cemeteries.

On the walls of the chapel are inscriptions in Latin that remind us of the vanity of existence and the importance of reflecting on death. The most famous phrase is "Nos ossos que aqui estamos, pelos vossos esperamos", which means "Our bones that are here, wait for yours". Although the chapel is decorated entirely with human bones, the atmosphere inside is calm and contemplative, with an air of respect and reflection. The Chapel of the Bones is a popular tourist attraction and a unique macabre curiosity, but it is also a symbol that raises important and complex questions in everyone's spirituality.