Trip to Spain and Portugal-Chapel of Bones

Chapel of Bones located in Evora, Spain is a unique chapel made with stacked up with human bones and skulls. 5,000 skeletons were sourced from the city's graves used for the construction.  The message that Franciscan monks wanted to convey through such unique construction was "The bones of dead humans morbidly remind visitors that they will die despite any technological advancement in the health industry or their social, political status".

The Capel of bones was built between the years of 1460 to 1510 in Gothic style. the idea was conceived by Franciscan monks.  In the 16th century Evora was expanding but there were around 43 cemeteries making up valuable lands. To allow expansion and at the same time not intending to condemn the souls buried in these cemeteries they moved all the bones into a single chapel.  In the process they tried to convey he inevitability of death.

Trip to Spain and Portugal-(2) Evora, Portugal

On the way from Lisbon to Codoba, Spain, we stopped at Evora to visit this UNESCON world Heritage site of Portugal.  It was a sunny and warm day, walked around the town and spent some time both outside and inside visited Praca do Giraldo, Roman Temple of Evora, Chapel of Bones and Evora Musem.

Walking in the town: 

children with their family were enjoying playing outside

Trip to Spain and Portugal-Lisbon colorful streets

These pictures were captured during our visit to the Castelo de Sao Jorge. To reach the fort, we took an Uber to a drop-off point and then walked the rest of the way. Following the tour, we opted for a different path back to the hotel.

Trip to Spain and Portugal- Jeronimos Monastery

One of the most prominent examples of the Portuguese Late Gothic Manueline style of architecture in Lisbon.  Jeronimos Monastery was classified a UNESCO World Heritage site along with the nearby Tower of Belem, in 1983.

The monastery was designed in a manner that later became known as Manueline: a richly ornate architectural style with complex sculptural themes incorporating maritime elements and objects discovered during naval expeditions, cared in limestone.  

Church of Santa Maria (on the right) has its own unique architecture on both exterior and interior.

Jeronimos Monastery 

Church of Santa Maria 

Trip to Spain and Portugal- Some Beautiful sites in Lisbon

Arco da Rua Augusta, also known as Terreiro do Paco, is an arch constructed to commemorate Lisbon's resurgence following a devastating earthquake, fires, and tsunami in the late 1700s.

The Torre de Belem, a beautifully sculpted stone tower, was initially utilized as a fortress and later as a prison.

Located along the banks of the Tagus River in Belem, the Padrao dos Descobrimentos, also referred to as the Monument to the Discoveries, is a grandiose monument.

Acro da Rua Augusta

at the waterfront watching sunset

Torre de Belem

Padrao dos Descobrimentos