Last Updated on October 13, 2024 by Soumya
Fatima is the Mecca of all Catholics and one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in the world. It is located in Central Portugal, approximately 120 km from Lisbon.
Fatima is the place of the apparition of the Virgin Mary and a holy destination for all pilgrims.
At the beginning of the 20th century, Fatima was an unknown village with two thousand inhabitants. Everything changed in 1917 when three shepherdesses, Lucia (10 years old), her cousin Jacinta (7 years old), and cousin Francisco (9 years old), reported that the Virgin Mary appeared to them.
Nowadays, the sanctuary of Fatima attracts visitors with religious landmarks.
The city gradually grew because of the apparition of the Virgin Mary. Today, it’s a part of the Orem region and has about 12,000 inhabitants.
Visiting Fatima from Lisbon is easy. Here’s a list of the top things to do in Fatima, Portugal written by local expert Galyna Rogovska – all of which you can easily do on a day trip from Lisbon.
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5 Best Things to Do in Fatima, Portugal
Basilica of the Holy Trinity
Image courtesy: Galyna Rogovska
One of the best things to do in Fatima is to visit the Church of the Holy Trinity.
The Holy Trinity Church was built in 2004 according to the design of the Greek architect Alexandros Tombazis. Three years later, it opened its doors to believers.
The completion of construction coincided with the 90th anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima’s appearance to three young shepherds. She spoke to the children several times during 1917, predicting the coming of World War II, the return of Soviet Republics to Christianity, and the assassination attempt on the Pope in 1981.
This Church is one of the largest in the world. Its internal area is 12,000 square meters and is designed for 9,000 believers.
The Basilica has five chapels, about 50 confessionals, and a cafe where believers can relax.
The interior is decorated with a mosaic of handmade tiles depicting Heavenly Jerusalem. In addition, quotes from the Bible in 23 languages are painted on the walls.
The building was built low enough not to interfere with the view of the old Baroque Basilica of Fatima.
You can enter the Church of the Holy Trinity through one of 13 doors. They symbolize the number of those present at the Last Supper. Every year, 5 million pilgrims visit the Church, and the number is growing.
Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima
Image courtesy: Galyna Rogovska
The construction of the Basilica of the Holy Virgin started in 1928. In front of the temple is a huge square that can accommodate 200,000 people. Its capacity exceeds St. Peter’s Square in Rome.
Since the Basilica of the Holy Virgin can hold only 800 people, Sunday mass takes place in the square, and all volunteers may attend. Speakers along the square’s perimeter allow pilgrims to hear the priest’s sermons.
The Basilica contains the graves of Francisco Marto, Jacinta Marto, and Lucia Santos, the children who saw the Virgin Mary’s appearance. Lucia lived a long life and dedicated it to God.
The Basilica’s stained-glass windows depict scenes from the Virgin Mary’s appearance.
Image courtesy: Galyna Rogovska
House of Francisco & Jacinta Marto
As mentioned above, the Fatima apparitions of the Virgin Mary took place in the Portuguese city of Fatima in 1917.
According to the three children, a “lady” associated with the Virgin Mary appeared to them several times. She aimed to convey messages with religious appeals and prophecy. The Church recognized the Fatima apparitions as true miracles.
Just three kilometers from the sanctuary is Aljustrel, a quiet village where Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta were born. The shepherds’ house is well-preserved and still contains their belongings and furniture. If you decide to visit, you will learn more facts about the rural lifestyle in Portugal.
Nearby, in Valinhos, there is a house where Lucia lived until she was 14.
Back in Aljustrel, don’t miss your chance to visit a village house museum. Here, you can see an exciting ethnographic exhibition that presents the life and customs of the inhabitants of this region.
The houses on this street have remained unchanged since the Fatima miracle. The museum’s collection consists of paintings depicting scenes from the life of a village at the end of the 19th century, including its three small inhabitants—eyewitnesses to the miracle.
The Chapel of the Apparition of the Virgin Mary
The chapel is on the spot where three local children saw an image of the Virgin Mary. This simple church replicates the original chapel that was built in 1919, only a few years after the apparitions.
Nearby, the Chapel of the Apparitions is a place for worshipers. Visitors should take the candlesticks and throw lighted candles and wax items simulating body parts in prayer into a melting furnace. Those who pray for healing should take those parts and, in hope and repentance, throw them into the fire.
Believers may walk the path of a pilgrim on their knees from the old temple to the new. It is a narrow marble path polished to a shine. Of course, this is a matter of faith, but even those who do not support Catholicism sometimes walk this path, putting their trust and meaning into it.
Parque Natural das Serras de Aire e Candeeiros
Near Fatima (about 10 km) is the Natural Park of Serras de Aire e Candeiros, a protected area famous for its natural caves. Due to the effects of water and time, these caves have unique formations worth visiting.
Mira de Aire Caves, one of Portugal’s seven natural wonders, is an excellent example.
Travel through the depths of the mountain and discover the unique beauty underground. If you need to know what to see in Fatima, Portugal, and its religious objects, pay attention to this park.
In addition to housing archaeological treasures (such as dinosaur tracks), the park is also home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. For example, there are about 18 species of bats, an animal chosen as the symbol of this beautiful natural area of Portuguese.
Final Thoughts on Fatima Portugal
Image courtesy: Galyna Rogovska
Fatima is a must-visit spot for all visitors, religious and non-religious. The place safely preserves real evidence of miracles, showing that not everything in life is materialistic. Some things always remain beyond our understanding.
If you’re in Lisbon, don’t miss your chance to come here for a day to see the beauty of the architecture and feel a touch of eternity.
Fatima is real and symbolic at the same time, as there is no scientific explanation for the miracle.
The Church recognized the Fatima miracle, and Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta became saints of the Catholic Church. Their messages of peace and repentance remain relevant to believers today and remind them of the importance of faith and charity.
Discover the incredible story of little shepherds who witnessed a miracle that changed the lives of thousands of people. Enjoy the majestic temple atmosphere filled with hope and blessing, and experience the power of miracles for yourself. A journey to Fatima is an encounter with history and faith that will leave unforgettable memories for a lifetime.
About the Author: Galyna Rogovska
Galyna Rogovska is a travel expert and an enthusiastic globetrotter who has visited 25+ countries. Currently, she is a freelance writer for One Day Tours Portugal.
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