"Portuguese burial" Top 5 Page for this destination Algarve Off The Beaten Path Tip by Gerrem

On many cemeteries niches are used because they take up less space. These niches are not usually purchased but rented from the council, which runs the cemetery. If the rent is not paid the coffined remains are removed after a time and placed in a common grave site to leave the niche free for another incumbent whose family will pay the rent. The dead body comes into a coffin of zinc. Air is exhausted and the coffin is placed into a wooden coffin. The relatives have a key for the niche which most contains a window with a little curtain. They arrange some flowers, photos or personal items of the dead. For us this kind of burial is very uncommon but people get a very close and familiar relation to the deceased.