The Chapel of Bones in Évora · A Wall of Ten Thousand People

In the Chapel of Bones inside the Church of St Francis in Évora, the walls, columns and vaults are set with bone; it is said to have used the remains of five thousand skeletons, among them two whole bodies hanging on the wall.

Above, inside the chapel, a line is written: the bones here are waiting for yours. This was how the Franciscan friars made their point with a reminder of death.

Loud talking is not allowed in the chapel. The ceiling is painted with scenes of death, judgement and hell, and only a little light comes down through the skylight.

Occult Chronicles / Évora · Portugal / 16th century