There are 11 bone chapels in Europe, one of which is located in Évora, Portugal. The inscription at the entrance, "Nós ossos que aqui estamos, pelos vossos esperamos," or "Our bones here await yours," is just a terrifying beginning.
◦ The Origin of the Chapel of Bones
In the 16th century, during a time of frequent natural disasters and ongoing wars, a monk aimed to convey the religious message of life's impermanence. He constructed this chapel using the bones of 5,000 corpses from the church cemetery. The interior sidewalls and eight pillars of the chapel are entirely inlaid with human bones. Upon closer inspection, bones were found either vertically embedded into the wall or horizontally arranged, with skulls irregularly placed. The presence of death unsettled me, prompting me to hastily leave the moment I became aware of my discomfort.
However, the trials of Évora were far from over.
◦ The Equally Horrifying Army of Snails
As I left the chapel, it was almost time for a meal. In Évora, snail advertisements were everywhere, and my curiosity got the better of me, prompting me to visit a restaurant and try them out. The moment the army of over two hundred snails was served, my appetite vanished. Despite being seasoned with plenty of spices, the earthy taste of the small snails was still very apparent.
Looking at the snails' shells, I was immediately reminded of the bones piled in the chapel. I set down my knife and fork, paid the bill, and left to find something more palatable to eat.
The Chapel of Bones
Praça 1º de Maio 4, Évora