Traveling To Portugal To Visit The Capela Dos Ossos

by Bridget on April 26, 2012

Portugal is a fantastic travel destination for world travelers that offers many interesting and exciting tourist attractions. One of the most interesting sites to see while in Portugal is known as the Capela dos Ossos, also known as the Chapel of Bones. The goal of the exhibit is to illustrate the notion that no matter what our differences may be, we are all made up of bones. If you are going to be traveling overseas to Portugal you will need to have a valid passport. If you need to obtain a same day passport before your trip, you can go on the internet and visit an online passport agency that will be able to assist you.

Passport Needs

As any frequent traveler knows; having a passport is the most important travel document there is. Without passports, people would not be allowed to enter any other country, or be allowed to return to the United States of America. If you are traveling with young children you must remember that they will also need their own valid United States passport. If you are leaving for Portugal soon and need a same day passport, you can get one from an internet passport agency online.

Popular Attraction

At the entrance to this chapel it reads “We, the bones that are here, await yours.”  This is a prime example of the goings on of the Counter-Reformation era. The chapel derives its name from the walls that are covered with human skulls and bones.  In the 16th century a Franciscan monk wanted to get his fellow brothers to contemplate the idea of life being transitory. He established the chapel of bones for this purpose.

The Chapel

A look up at the ceiling will reveal a view of with painted brick ornately decorated with death themed motifs. The estimated number of skeletons that adorns this chapel is about 5,000 and have come from cemeteries from over a dozen churches.  The chapel is comprised of three spans that are 59 feet by 36 feet. Light enters due to three small openings that are on the left. The walls and pillars within the chapel are carefully decorated with an arrangement of bones and skulls that are held together by cement.

Other Sites

Other great attractions to check out when visiting Evora include ancient Roman Ruins, an old aqueduct, as well as the Almendres Cromlech.  The Almendres Cromlech is a megalithic complex that is a vital megalithic monument within the Iberian Peninsula. There is also a nice park nearby and the historic center of Evora is an UNESCO World Heritage site. A visit to Evora University is a must see as well, the main building was formed on an ancient convent that was founded in 1559.

The Capela dos Ossos, or Chapel of Bones, in Portugal is one of the most interesting tourist attractions in the country. It is a very visual attraction that helps to illustrate to people that, no matter what out differences, we are all made up of the same materials, bones. If you are traveling to Portugal soon and need a same day passport, you can go online to a reputable internet passport agency. They will be able to quickly assist you with all of your passport needs before your international trip.

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