Discover the Sanctuary of Fatima

18 March, 2024 | Reading Time – 5 min

Sanctuary of Fatima – Symbol of faith

Portugal is a largely religious country, as evidenced by all the religious monuments and their influence on Portuguese culture and tradition.

The Sanctuary of Fatima – A Symbol of Faith, for the Christian community in Portugal. Visited by thousands of travelers from all over the world, it is one of the most significant religious tourism destinations. In the year that marked the centenary of the first apparition of the Virgin Mary to the three shepherd children, the Sanctuary of Fatima received almost 10 million faithfuls. Throughout this article, we will explore the entire history of a place charged with spirituality. Discover the Sanctuary of Fatima and surrender yourself to the intensity of this center of faith and peace.

Where is the Sanctuary of Fatima located?

The Sanctuary of Fatima is located about 130 kilometers from Lisbon. Situated in the parish of Fatima, in the Cova da Iria. It is a place with an intense energy, which is worth visiting, especially if you are devout. You can travel to Fatima by public transport, such as the Rede Expresso network.

The Sanctuary of Fatima and its history

Before starting your itinerary, learn a little more about this symbol of faith. The history of Fatima is closely associated with three children: Lucia, and her cousins Jacinta and Francisco Marto, who on May 13, 1917, were herding their sheep in the shadow of some holm oaks, in the Cova da Iria. At a certain moment they saw a flash of light coming from the sky, a vision described by the three as being an apparition of a “lady dressed in white.”

This lady was the Virgin Mary who appeared from heaven sent by God with a message of peace, when the world was engulfed in war and poverty. She asked the shepherd children to spread this message to all men, women, and children of their time. She appeared on the 13th of every month for the following months, always with the same request – pray for world peace.

Since the children faced distrust and persecution, the Virgin Mary promised to perform a miracle. Thus, on her last apparition, on October 13, the miracle of the sun took place. At that moment the sun shook and “danced” before the eyes of 40,000 pilgrims. The miracle lasted about three minutes. And finally, the Virgin Mary, presented herself as Our Lady of the Rosary. On June 28, 1919, the construction of the Chapel of the Apparitions began, in that same place, the center of adoration in the Sanctuary of Fatima.

Explore the Sanctuary of Fatima

Upon arriving at the Sanctuary, you will perceive the magnitude of this space. The aura you feel in this place is magical, so let yourself be enveloped by the peace and discover all the secrets of one of the most fascinating religious centers in the world.

Chapel of the Apparitions

The Chapel of the Apparitions is undoubtedly one of the most visited places in the Sanctuary of Fatima. In this chapel is the famous image of Our Lady of Fatima, where many faithful pray and leave offerings, such as flowers or personal objects. It is also common to find visitors fulfilling some rituals of gratitude for some request, the promises.

Prayer is a constant, partly because it is the place where the rosary is prayed, at various times of the day and in various languages. It is also from here that the Candlelight Procession departs, certainly one of the most striking moments of your visit. Next to the Chapel of the Apparitions, there is a candle repository and an area with fire, where everyone can make their requests or thanks.

Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary

The basilica is certainly one of the buildings that most attracts attention in the sanctuary, especially at night, when it is illuminated. Located at one end of the sanctuary, it is an imposing neo-baroque building with a 65-meter-high tower.

Along the basilica, there is a huge gallery where you can take a peaceful walk and enjoy the surrounding beauty. Inside you can find wonderful stained-glass windows on the sides, with some passages from the life of the Virgin Mary. This basilica contains fourteen side altars, which represent the mystery of the Rosary. Finally, you can visit the tombs of the shepherd children, Lucia, Jacinta, and Francisco, a place of great devotion for pilgrims.

Basilica of the Holy Trinity

Continue your visit to the opposite side of the complex, to the Basilica of the Holy Trinity. Built in 2007, with a capacity for 9,000 people, it is a large, modern space with excellent acoustics. Near the basilica, a staircase leads visitors to an underground area, where they can visit several prayer chapels and a space dedicated to exhibitions related to the apparitions, Our Lady, or other religious themes. We recommend that you enter this basilica and appreciate its circular architecture and its wonderful altar, adorned with sculptures and plenty of natural light.

Candlelight Procession

This is the most striking moment for those who visit the Catholic complex. To experience it deeply, we recommend that you stay overnight in the city. In the warmer months of the year, the procession takes place every night and excites hundreds of faithful who gather at the Sanctuary of Fatima. The procession begins with the prayer of the rosary in the Chapel of the Apparitions. All those present are invited to hold a lit candle during the rosary. After this religious ritual, the procession follows through the sanctuary accompanied by the image of the Virgin Mary. We can assure you that it will be a moment of communion and reflection that will touch your heart and soul.

For certain, the Sanctuary of Fatima will be a visit that will not leave you indifferent.

From the mystical aura that surrounds it, to the dazzling altars and stained-glass windows, to the verdant and tranquil gardens and corners that are inserted in it. And of course, don’t forget to visit the hundreds of chapels scattered throughout the basilicas of the sanctuary, enjoy the silence and harmony that emanate. This religious space has a strong impact on Portuguese culture and society, being a symbol of national faith. The Sanctuary is a place of devotion and reflection, that will make you stop and breathe! Enjoy the harmony of this sanctuary and take advantage of this unique spiritual experience.