Visiting Portugal To Check Out The Capela Dos Ossos
If you are looking for an interesting place to take an international vacation to, consider going to Portugal. Portugal has many unique and exciting attractions for travelers to enjoy. One of the most interesting sites to see while visiting Portugal is called the Capela dos Ossos, which in English means the Chapel of Bones. The purpose of the exhibit is to illustrate the fact that no matter are differences, we are all made of the same things, bones. If you need to get a same day passport before your vacation to Portugal, you can take care of your passport needs online at an internet passport agency.
Passport Needs
A passport is an essential document when it comes to international travel. They allow an individual to enter foreign countries and re-enter the United States with ease. However, these documents must be kept up to date including renewals and name changes. These services if needed quickly can be garnered using same day pasport services.
Chapel Of Bones
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 Capela dos Ossos is a very popular site in Evora Portugal. It is a small chapel that can be found at the entrance to the Church of St. Francis.
The Chapel
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. 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. Some of these bones have been written on and others have been placed in odd macabre positions. This provides more evidence of the Counter-Reformation movement that placed a high emphasis on the afterlife as opposed to the here and now.
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.
Portugal is a country rich in history and culture. Anyone visit will offer wonderful experiences and a look into the past. The Capela dos Ossos is a prime example, along with the numerous other attractions that Evora has to offer. So, make sure your pass port is up to date, or get a same day passport renewal in order to visit this protected site and experience history in the small town of Evora, Portugal.
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