Portugal

Places in this region

Carmo Convent Ruins

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

Portugal's Chapel of Bones

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

Belem Tower Rhinoceros (Torre de Belém)

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

Igreja de São Francisco Catacombs

Ancient catacombs form the foundation for this Rococo orgy of a church.

Gothic in structure, Rococo in decoration, with portals to the dead located in the church's cellar. The church of São Francisco's Gothic exterior reflects the modest, earthy mentality of the... »

Catacombs, Crypts, & Cemeteries, Curious Places of Worship | Edited by littlebrumble and Dylan

Capela do Senhor da Pedra

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

Igreja de Vera Cruz de Marmelar

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

Portugal dos Pequenitos

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

Capela de Ossos Bone Chapel

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

Quinta da Regaleira

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

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