Igreja do Carmo & Capela dos Ossos
The twin-belfried, Baroque Igreja do Carmo in Faro in the Algarve is one of the town's attractive churches with lovely 18th century gilded wood carvings and stain-glass windows inside and with a pleasant white-washed exterior with storks nesting in the towers and a large decorated pavement outside.
The Igreja do Carmo originally dates from 1719 with the money for its construction financed with Brazilian gold from Portugal's colony in South America.
However, the main attraction of the church for many visitors is its macabre Capela dos Ossos, situated in a sacristy and a walled small garden, just behind the main church building.
The Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones) at the Igreja do Carmo compares with a similar Chapel of Bones at the Igreja de São Francisco in Evora.
The bones and skulls that can be seen are those of over 1200 Carmelite monks that were exhumed from the nearby church cemetery when the ossuary was built in 1816. The purpose of such Chapels of Bones is to emphasize the brevity of human existence and the need to live a good life to avoid the eternity of hell. A more practical purpose may have been to free up space in the cemeteries!
The sounds of children in a nearby elementary school emphasize the cycle of the human condition. An inscription over the entrance reads: "Stop here and consider the fate that will befall you."
The entrance to the chapel is to the right of the main altar and a small admission charge of presently 1 Euro is levied. The Capela dos Ossos in Faro is open on weekdays from 10 am-12.30 pm and 2-5 pm.
Access - Getting to the Igreja do Carmo & Capela dos Ossos
Igreja do Carmo & Capela dos Ossos
Largo do Carmo
Faro, Algarve
The church is located opposite the central post office in Faro.
Accommodation in Faro
Faro is chock-a-block with places to stay, and with all competing for guests, most are of excellent quality for reasonable rates. Start your search with the following recommendations, listed from more to less expensive.
Luxury Guest House Opus One offers one of the best possible hotel experiences to be had in Faro, with quarters that truly live up to the name "Luxury." The interior is as varied as it is tasteful, impeccably combining aesthetics and comfort - and not without an element of surprise. The rooms are very spacious and guests can enjoy a private semi-open pool and Jacuzzis. Even includes a billiard room and music room. The location is prime, down a quiet sidestreet, with the Igreja do Carmo on 2 minutes' walk away, and Faro Train Station only 5 minutes' walk away. Supreme comfort and relaxation in the heart of Faro.
Casa da Madalena Bed & Breakfast has something for everyone in terms of budget, but the private Double Room sleeping up to three people, and including breakfast, is legendary. This beautifully atmospheric space is a blend of modern minimalism and classic old warmth. The location, too, is unbeatable, being in the middle of Faro very near the bus and train stations, the Faro Marina, the Igreja do Carmo, the Lethes Theater. Boasts an expansive terrace with hammocks for delightful relaxation. Spotlessly clean, and warmly hospitable.
Lemon Tree Stay is a superbly tasteful, restful hideaway near the Praca da Liberdade offering the mod-cons of accommodation convenience with a traditional vibe - and lots of greenery. Guests love the helpfulness and hospitality of the hosts, the central location, the courtyard and rooftop terrace, and the immaculate cleanliness.
Capela dos Ossos Video