
Capela dos Ossos Faro
A hauntingly beautiful chapel lined with over 1,000 monk skulls and bones, offering a profound reflection on life.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflection

Capela dos Ossos Faro
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflection

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A hauntingly beautiful chapel lined with over 1,000 monk skulls and bones, offering a profound reflection on life.
"Eerie but fascinating, unlike anything we’ve ever seen before. Well worth a visit for those interested in history and unique sites."

🎯 Affordable Entry
Entry is just €2, offering great value for both the chapel and the main church .
⏰ Verify Opening Hours
Google hours can be off; confirm directly to avoid disappointment .

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Bone Chapel Interior
Rear of Igreja do Carmo
Walls and ceiling lined with over 1,000 monk skulls and bones, a stark reminder of mortality.

Igreja do Carmo
Main church building
Impressive Baroque architecture with rich religious art and gold imported from Brazil.

Reflective Garden
Courtyard between church and chapel
A peaceful space with storks nesting on ledges, offering a moment of calm.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Beyond the Bones
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Affordable Entry
Entry is just €2, offering great value for both the chapel and the main church.
⏰ Verify Opening Hours
Google hours can be off; confirm directly to avoid disappointment.
🚶♀️ Explore the Garden
Don't miss the charming garden and nesting storks behind the chapel.
💡 Modern Touches
See the LED candles, a quirky blend of old and new.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Affordable Entry
Entry is just €2, offering great value for both the chapel and the main church.
⏰ Verify Opening Hours
Google hours can be off; confirm directly to avoid disappointment.
🚶♀️ Explore the Garden
Don't miss the charming garden and nesting storks behind the chapel.
💡 Modern Touches
See the LED candles, a quirky blend of old and new.
📸 Respectful Photography
Capture the unique atmosphere, but be mindful of the solemnity.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Chapel of Bones in Faro to be a fascinating and unique experience, offering a stark yet reflective reminder of mortality. While some describe it as eerie, most appreciate the historical significance and the affordable entry fee, which often includes access to the beautiful Igreja do Carmo and its garden.
"This Chapel was very beautiful 🤩. I was disappointed to find out that I had to pay one euros for entry in cash. You also have to pay €1 extra to use the bathroom. The chapel is beautiful and then there’s a little garden that leads you to the room with the skulls of previous priests. I would recommend to go but to bring cash."
Annabel Nnamani
"A must visit in Faro, this church with in the garden its special chapel which was built in the 17th century at the initiative of three Franciscan monks, so that locals could reflect on the transience of life and to get a clear allegory of death. More than five thousand bones and skulls adorn its walls, ceiling and columns of this chapel, all sourced from the city's cemeteries.
(Price for entry is 2€)
If this review was helpful, hit the like button 👍"
OVHK
"I'm not a religious person. But I love architecture and unusual places. This qualifies in both areas. Beautiful interior and a fascinating Chapel of Bones. Which is exactly what it says it is! Well worthy of a visit if you like interesting places and is only 1 euro to visit. What more can you ask?...."
Colin & Pip Palmer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Capela dos Ossos is located within the Igreja do Carmo in Faro. It's easily accessible by foot if you're staying in the city center. Local buses also serve the area. If arriving by car, be aware that parking in Faro can be challenging.
Yes, it's part of the well-known Igreja do Carmo. Look for the main church, and the chapel is situated in the rear courtyard or garden area.
Taxis are readily available in Faro and can take you directly to the Igreja do Carmo. It's a convenient option if you're coming from further afield or have mobility concerns.
Street parking can be limited and metered in Faro's city center. There are several public parking lots available, though they may require a short walk to the church.
Faro has an international airport (FAO) with connections to various European cities. You can also reach Faro by train or bus from other Portuguese cities like Lisbon or Porto.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entry fee is typically around €2 per person, which often includes access to the main Igreja do Carmo as well. This is considered excellent value by visitors.
Opening hours can vary, and it's crucial to verify them as Google listings might be inaccurate. Generally, it's open during daylight hours on weekdays and Saturdays, but it's best to check with the church directly or look for recent visitor information.
For individual visitors, advance booking is usually not necessary. Tickets can typically be purchased at the entrance to the Igreja do Carmo. Group bookings might require prior arrangement.
The main church is generally accessible. However, the Chapel of Bones itself is a smaller space, and access might involve navigating some steps or uneven surfaces. It's advisable to inquire about specific accessibility needs if required.
While the main church may have services on Sundays, the Chapel of Bones might have limited or no public access on Sundays. It's best to confirm the specific day's visiting hours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
It's a small, eerie, yet fascinating chapel where the walls and ceiling are lined with the skulls and bones of over 1,000 Carmelite monks. An inscription above the entrance serves as a memento mori: 'Stop here and consider, that you will reach this state too'.
The bones are from Carmelite monks and were exhumed from an old cemetery adjacent to the church, dating back to around 1816. They serve as a reminder of mortality and the transient nature of life.
While the sight of human bones can be unsettling for some, many visitors find it more fascinating and reflective than outright scary. The atmosphere is often described as eerie but thought-provoking.
The main church is a stunning example of Baroque architecture, featuring rich religious art and gold imported from Brazil. There's also a beautiful garden with storks nesting on the ledges.
Most visitors spend about an hour to explore both the Chapel of Bones and the main Igreja do Carmo, including the garden. It's a compact but impactful visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted inside the Chapel of Bones and the Igreja do Carmo. However, always be respectful of the solemn nature of the site and other visitors.
The interior of the bone chapel itself offers the most striking photographic opportunities. Capturing the patterns of skulls and bones on the walls and ceiling is a must. The exterior of the Igreja do Carmo and the garden with storks are also picturesque.
It's best to avoid using flash photography in any religious or historical site to protect the artifacts and maintain the atmosphere. Check for any specific signage regarding flash use.
A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial, especially inside the chapel. A wide-angle lens can help capture the full scope of the bone-lined walls. Your smartphone camera will likely suffice for most visitors.
Drone usage is typically restricted in urban areas and around historical buildings. It's highly unlikely you'll be able to fly a drone near the Chapel of Bones or the Igreja do Carmo.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the bone chapel itself might be intense for very young or sensitive children, the overall visit to Igreja do Carmo is manageable. The affordable entry fee makes it an accessible outing. Consider framing the visit as a historical exploration rather than focusing solely on the 'bones' aspect.
💰 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with a walk through Faro's old town and perhaps a picnic lunch. The experience is rich in history and culture, providing a memorable encounter without a high cost.
🤔 Reflective Travelers
Take your time to absorb the atmosphere, read the inscription, and reflect on the message. The peaceful garden and the ornate church provide a balanced setting for introspection.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Meaning Behind the Macabre
The inscription above the entrance, 'Pára aqui a considerar que a este estado hás-de chegar' ('Stop here and consider, that you will reach this state too'), encapsulates this message. Visitors often find the experience both eerie and deeply contemplative, prompting introspection about their own existence and the shared human condition.
This practice of bone chapels was not unique to Faro; similar structures exist across Europe, serving as powerful reminders of the cycle of life and death. The Capela dos Ossos stands as a testament to this historical and spiritual tradition, offering a unique perspective on life's journey.
Exploring the Igreja do Carmo
Beyond the main sanctuary, the complex includes a beautiful garden. This tranquil space provides a peaceful respite and is known for the storks that often nest on its ledges, adding a touch of natural charm to the historical site. The juxtaposition of the solemn bone chapel, the ornate church, and the lively garden creates a multifaceted visitor experience.
When visiting, ensure you allocate time to appreciate the full scope of the Igreja do Carmo. The combination of its architectural splendor, spiritual significance, and the unique bone chapel makes it a must-see attraction in Faro, offering a rich cultural and historical immersion.
Practicalities for Your Visit
Photography is generally allowed, allowing you to capture the unique atmosphere, but always be mindful of the solemnity of the site and avoid flash photography. The chapel is relatively small, so a visit usually takes about an hour, allowing ample time to explore the church and garden as well.
While the chapel's interior is compact, the overall experience is impactful. The reflective inscription and the sheer visual of the bones serve as a powerful memento mori, encouraging contemplation. It's a site that stays with you long after you leave.






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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit