What to see in Fátima
Fátima is a small town in central Portugal, roughly 1h20 minutes from Lisbon by car. It is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the world for Catholics.
It was in Fátima that the Marian apparitions took place in 1917 to three shepherd children. According to Lúcia, Francisco and Jacinta, the Virgin Mary appeared to them six times between May and October of 1917, being the most famous apparition the one that happened in October 1917 – known as the “Miracle of the Sun”, when thousands of witnesses(opens in a new tab) saw the sun dancing in the sky.
The Sanctuary of Fátima(opens in a new tab) was built in honor of these apparitions and attracts millions of pilgrims every year. The main highlights of the Sanctuary are the Chapel of the Apparitions, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, and the Basilica of The Most Holy Trinity.
Pilgrims travel from all over the world to pray, attend Mass, and walk in processions on Fátima.
Fátima has also become a symbol of peace and many people visit the Sanctuary(opens in a new tab) not only for faith-based reasons but also to experience the unique connection to history and spirituality.
In this article, we explain you what to see in Fátima.
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima or The Shrine of Fátima
The Sanctuary is a large complex that includes several important buildings, chapels, monuments, museums, and other objects. It is the spiritual heart of Fátima and host millions of visitors annually.
Chapel of the Apparitions
The Chapel of the Apparitions in Fátima was built on the exact location where the Virgin Mary appeared five times to the three shepherd children. It is the heart of the Sanctuary, and everything else in the complex evolved around this little Chapel. Even though it had to be restored, it still maintains the original traits and the plinth with the image of Our Lady of Fátima is located at the site of the holm oak where the apparitions took place in 1917.
Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary
The 70 meters long Basilica has impressive architecture with different elements offered from different parts of the world – the bell tower stands 65 meters tall and is crowned with a 7-ton bronze crown! It is also in the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary that the tombs of Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta are located.
Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity
The Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity in Fátima is a modern Basilica, built to accommodate more pilgrims that kept growing in number throughout the years. It is a circular Basilica with capacity for more than 8000 people, it’s altar is made of a unique stone piece weighing 6 tons and in front of the altar there is a piece of marble from the tomb of the Apostle Peter.
Prayer Area
The Prayer Area is a square located between the two Basilicas. This open space was designed to accommodate large gatherings of pilgrims for worship, especially during the evening candlelight procession that happens daily between May and October. In the center of the Prayer Area is the Monument of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, placed over a water fountain.
Candle Burning Area
Next to the Prayer Area is a place designed for visitors to light their candles as a symbol or prayer, devotion and spiritualism. It is common to see people lighting their candles, offering prayers for loved ones or personal intentions.
Aljustrel – Houses of the Three Shepherd Children
The homes of Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta, as well as the village of Aljustrel form part of the pilgrimage route, and the houses were restored and preserved to serve as museums that showcase the life of the three children. The houses are simple, with rustic furniture, and family relics.
Valinhos
Outside of Fátima, visitors can walk along the Way of the Cross; along the Way there is a monument that marks the fourth Apparition of Our Lady to the three children.
Museum of the Shrine of Fatima
The museum has a collection of ethnographic and artistic items, that help understand the memories of the apparitions.
Other things to visit in Fátima can be added to your list, such as the piece of the Berlin Wall(opens in a new tab) next to the Prayer Area, the different Chapels located underground, the Fátima Wax Museum a museum with life-sized waxed figures made in England, and the many shops that sell religious articles.
Is Fátima worth a visit?
Visiting Fátima is more than visiting a place of pilgrimage – it is a symbol of hope and peace, and Fátima offers a moving experience for all who visit. From the Basilicas to the quietness of certain areas, no matter the reason for your visit, you will leave with a deeper appreciation of its significance.
