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Portugal
Places in this region
Legacy of the earthquake that nearly wiped Lisbon off the face of the Earth
"Come, ye philosophers, who cry, 'All’s well,' and contemplate this ruin of a world."
-Voltaire, 1756
One of the deadliest earthquakes in history struck Lisbon on All-Saint's day, November... »
Unique Collections, Memento Mori, Disaster Areas, Incredible Ruins | Edited by Annetta and Dylan
16th Century chapel decorated with bones, skulls, and entire bodies hanging from the wall
The Chapel of Bones is part of the larger Royal Church of St. Francis and was constructed by Franciscan monks in the late 16th century.
The Chapel's story is a familiar one. By the 16th... »
Ossuaries, Catacombs, Crypts, & Cemeteries | Edited by Dylan, Lockeblade and 2 others
A king's pet, a pope's gift, an artist's inspiration, and a tragic shipwreck
The first rhinoceros to set foot on European soil since Roman times did not last long. Surviving the 120-day sea voyage to Portugal, the rhino was a diplomatic gift from India. Arriving in 1515,... »
Strange Statues, Architectural Oddities | Edited by Annetta and wythe
Picturesque intersection of witchcraft and ancient Christianity
Originally, the stunning marble- and granite-strewn beaches of Miramar were the site of ancient pagan worship. Specifically, the giant boulder jutting into the sea was where rituals were once... »
Anomalous Islands, Lost Tribes | Edited by littlebrumble and Dylan
A chunk of the 'true cross' is held in this small Portuguese church where modern day exorcisms are said to be common place
Relics of the true cross are a strange thing, and carry with them a Christian legend most Christians have never heard of.
Known as the "Golden Legend," it begins as Adam - as in Adam and Eve -... »
Relics and Reliquaries, Rites and Rituals, Curious Places of Worship | Edited by
The "Little Ones," show Portugal in full miniature splendor
Literally "Little Ones' Portugal" (it is sometimes incorrectly referred to as Portugal dos Pequeninos) Portugal dos Pequenitos is a unique theme park in Coimbra.
The park consists of diminutive... »
Museums and Collections, Small Worlds and Model Towns | Edited by Annetta
This small chapel is built of human bones and decorated with a golden skeleton
With its big windows and light-filled sanctuary, the ossuary in Faro may be one of the cheeriest buildings made of human bones you'll encounter. The inscription over the door reads “Stop here and... »
Ossuaries, Curious Places of Worship | Edited by Annetta
Eccentrically decorated palace and gardens replete with grottoes, fountains, underground tunnels, caves, and numerous statues.
Quinta de Regaleira is a UNSECO World Heritage site designed by Carvalho Monteiro. With the assistance of the Italian architect Luigi Manini, he designed the 4-hectare estate with its enigmatic... »
Curious Caves, Eccentric Homes, Follies and Grottoes, Subterranean Sites | Edited by geokate and Dylan
