Hi, when over in September we'd like to visit the Capela dos ossos (chapel of bones) in Alcantarilha. I can't find the chapel on any maps and was wondering if anyone could give me directions? Thanks in advance for any advice, Monty.

It is easy to find, it is in the church that dominates the village.

Just go to Google Earth and zoom in to see where you are going.

Go to the first traffic circle in town, coming from Lagoa, go three quarters of the way around and take that exit. This leads you to the church at the top of the hill. When you get there and are looking at the front door go to the right side and the chapel is there

Of course you can always die in Alcantarilha, get buried in the church yard, then get dug up and placed in with the rest - but thats not as quick as the above routes....

I was a bit surprised when we first visited the 'chapel'. I had expected to go into a small chapel, but It is merely an alcove at the side of the church and you stand outside on the pavement looking in, as there is a rail across the opening. Still quite fascinating though, and worth a look if you're passing through Alcanthrilla.

There are many of these places - seems to be a ritual in Portugal. The "best"? i have ever been to is in the church of St Laurenco, just outside Almancil on the N125 towards Faro - very large room and quite stunning to see it. These things are called ossiaries, I believe