The Capela dos Ossos was built in the 16th century by a Franciscan friar who, in the Counter-Reformation spirit of that era, wanted to prod his fellow brothers into contemplation and transmit the message of life being transitory, a very common spirituality theme summed up in the motto memento mori. This is clearly shown in the famous warning at the entrance: Nós ossos que aqui estamos pelos vossos esperamos. (“We bones that here are, for yours await", or, more poetically, "We bones you see in this poor state for you and yours do sit and wait".)