Alcantarilha and the Chapel of Bones
While waiting for our van to have the final bits of work done on it today, we spent a pleasant couple of hours in the village of Alcantarilha, near to Armação de Pêra. We have driven through Alcantarilha countless times, and have stopped here to pick up supplies in Aldi, but until today had never had taken the time to wander around.
The church in Alcantarilha dates from around the beginning of the 16th century, but the façade was renovated in the late 18th century following the earthquake of 1755, probably by the architect Francisco Xavier Fabri.
The most intriguing part of this building, however, is the small chapel to the rear of the church, Capella dos Ossos, the chapel of bones. This tiny chapel was built in the 16th century and, as was not uncommon in this region, the walls were decorated with human bones and skulls. It is astonishing to look at.
Warning: human bones on display in the photos and YouTube clip below:
