128km (80 miles) north of Sintra in the hills of Santarém lies the world-famous Fátma. This humble town has a population of under ten thousand who welcome millions of devotees each year. They come to worship at the site of the miraculous apparition of the Virgin Mary, who appeared to three little shepherds - Lúcia, Francisco and Jacinta here in 1917. Let MADABOUTSINTRA.COM be your essential guide to help your trip go smoothly. Check out our guides to what to see, where to go, where to sleep and where to eat. Here, you'll find several suggested tours designed to take the effort out of visiting attractions.
Corresponding to the apparitions, people visit Fátima the 13th day of each month between May and October. To accommodate a large congregation a massive white basilica and esplanade were constructed. The courtyard outside has twice the capacity as St. Peters in the Vatican and was completed in 1953. For Catholics, Fátima is a sacred place one has a calling to. For non-believers, a place of fascination.
The children of the miracle of Fátima
The town acquired its name from a legend of a Moorish princess called Fatima. She was kidnapped by a crusading Christian knight, Gonçalo Hermigues, and his companions. Hermigues took her to a small village in the Serra de Aire hills in the recently created Kingdom of Portugal. According to the Western Catholic narrative, Fatima fell in love with her abductor and decided to convert to Christianity to marry him. She was baptised and given a Christian name, Oureana. For most of the town's history, Fátima remained an unassuming and insignificant sleepy place until the 13th of May 1917 when three shepherd children first witnessed visions of the Virgin Mary in grazing land in Cova da Iria, just outside of town.
The cousins Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta encountered repeated visions on the 13th day of each subsequent month until October. During these apparitions, three secrets were revealed to them, secrets which were considered prophecies regarding such events as The Second World War, the rise and fall of Communism and the assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II. Following criticism and accusations from local people, the children asked the "Virgin of the Rosary" for a sign so they would be believed. So during the final appearance, a mysterious event occurred and witnessed by 70,000 people, a phenomenon later called "The miracle of the Sun" (O milagre do sol). It's been well documented that during the pouring rain, the crowds at Fátima saw the sun suddenly revolve on its axis and throw out multi-coloured rays of light. There were also claims of several miraculous cures in the days that followed.
Ever since the prophecies were given to the shepherd children, they have been investigated, debated and scrutinised by church officials and academics alike. For believers, the events of 13th October 1917 are proof of the divine, a conviction backed up by official recognition from the Vatican in 1930. For the pragmatists, the events can be explained by local natural atmospherical phenomena.
Speculation also continues today about the three secrets revealed to the children, who were seven, nine and ten at the time. The first two revelations are public knowledge. The first being a description of "Hell". The second foretold a speedy end to the First World War and predicted a dreadful war to follow if the world did not cease offending God. The third prophecy was confided in writing to the Vatican in 1941 by Lúcia. She had entered a convent in 1928, but she also stipulated it should not be made public before 1960. To date, no Pope has. Lúcia outlived her two cousins Francisco and Jacinta, who succumb to the Spanish flu pandemic. Lucia lived a devout life as a Carmelite Nun until 2005 and will probably receive the same honour as her cousins and be beatified in due course.
The sanctuary was constructed in various phases over time at or near the area of Cova da Iria, where the three children witnessed the Marian apparitions of Our Lady of the Rosary (later known as Our Lady of Fátima by parishioners and pilgrims). The sanctuary includes a myriad of buildings, shrines and monuments. The site represents the religious, political and social consequences of the event. Central to the complex is the small Chapel of the Apparitions and its shelter, marking the exact spot where legend suggests many of the events of the Apparitions took place and where the first pilgrims venerated the Marian apparitions.
During the apparition on the 13th of October, Mary asked Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta to construct a chapel in her honour. Work began in 1919 on the very spot as five of the six occurrences. On the 6th of March 1922, anti-catholic adversaries planted a bomb within the unfinished shrine and caused considerable damage precipitating the second stage of construction. It re-opened on the 13th of January 1923. Today the Chapel of the Apparitions is housed inside a glass enclosure opened on one side. Pope John Paul II inaugurated the chapel during the first visit in 1982. Inside you'll find a sculpture of Our Lady where she stood under an oak tree. The sculpture created by José Ferreira Thedim is carved from Brazilian cedarwood and measures just over one metre tall. Cardinal Aloisi Masella, a pontifical legate, solemnly crowned it on the 13th of May 1946. The crown is made of solid gold weighing 1.2 KG and contains 313 pearls and 2679 precious stones. The crown also contains a bullet removed from John Paul II following his assassination attempt in 1981. The statuette only wears her crown on special occasions.
Chapel of the Apparitions - Fátima
The Basilica - Fátima
Dominating the 150,000 square metres (37 acres) plaza at the Sanctuary is the impressive neo-classical limestone Basilica whose bell tower reaches 65 metres (213 ft) into the heavens. Sitting on top is a bronze crown weighing 7KG. A white marble statue of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, measuring 4.73 metres tall, occupies a niche on the face of the tower. There's a 62-bell carillon inside the tower. The largest bell weighs approximately 3,000 kilograms (6,600 lb) with a 90 kilograms (200 lb) clapper. Flanking the tower two long colonnades spread outwards linking it with the extensive conventual and hospital buildings.
The construction of the Basilica commenced on May 13th, 1928, and was eventually consecrated in October 1953. Inside there are altars dedicated to the 15 mysteries of the Rosary. A painting above the high altar denotes Our Lady passing on her messages to the children. The basilica is the final resting place of all three shepherd children. Their tombs lie behind the high altar.
Open for mass from 07h30.
360 Rua de Santa Isabel, 2495-424, Fátima, Portugal. | 39º 37' 55.7" N | 08º 40' 18.4" W
+351 249 539 600 | info@fatima.pt | Website
The Big Holm Oak is a replacement for the tree where the three Shepard children awaited the apparitions of Mary. Over-enthusiastic relic hunters destroyed the original. Its original location lies within the Chapel of the Apparitions. The Monument to the Sacred Heart of Jesus stands atop a pillar in the centre of the square. It is built on the location of a sacred natural spring. At the entrance to the sanctuary, there's an enclosure containing a segment of the Berlin Wall. It was brought to Fátima in 1994 to mark the connection between the visions and the fall of Communism. The large circular building opposite the sanctuary is the Paul VI Pastoral Centre, a complex dedicated to the study and contemplation of the message of Fátima.
Close by is the Sacred Way which marks the route the young shepherds would have taken from their homes in Aljustrel. Along the way, 15 small chapels and shrines mark the points of particular interest, such as the The Well of Arneiro once in the garden of Lucia's house and the site of a second apparition. The Valinhos monument is where the fourth manifestation of Our Lady appeared.
The Sacred Way - Fátima
There is a cafeteria on site and plenty of cafés and restaurants dotted around in close proximity to the sanctuary. | |
There are toilets on site in various places. | |
Apart from the 12 and 13 th May and October there's no shortage of parking spaces at the shrine and around. The majority of parking is free. | |
The whole grounds are easy to access for those with impaired mobility and wheelchairs are available on request. |
Experience a unique part of Portuguese history during this private full-day tour to Fátima. Famous for a sighting of the Virgin Mary experienced by three young children in 1916, Fátima has become an important pilgrimage site for Catholics worldwide. After pick up from Lisbon, your first stop is the town of Aljustrel. Next, head to Valinhos, where the apparitions appeared. Feast on a delicious Portuguese lunch before continuing on to the Parish Church and Fátima Sanctuary. Spend the afternoon wandering other important monuments to the apparition, including the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fátima and the Chapel of Apparitions. Your guide returns you to your preferred drop-off destination at the end of the tour.
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Discover a medieval world of stone monasteries, cobbled streets and holy sites on a full-day, private tour of Fátima, Batalha, Alcobaça and Óbidos from Lisbon. Immerse yourself in Portugal’s history and religious traditions as you explore some of the country’s most significant churches, see a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site and explore a picture-perfect hilltop community of whitewashed buildings and tile roofs.
Enjoy the flexibility of a private experience, with the opportunity to see the stunning Fátima Candle Procession from late March through October.
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After pickup from Lisbon enjoy the drive to the Sanctuary of Fátima. Pass historic villages on the way. Then, head to the Monastery of Batalha. Continue to Alcobaça Monastery, established in the 12th century by the first King of Portugal. Hear a tragic love story from Portuguese history, and then get some free time to try the local food and wine during lunch.
Continue to the charming fishing village of Nazaré to visit a 16th-century shrine and take in the stunning views. Move on to the walled city of Óbidos to stroll the medieval streets and marvel at the UNESCO World Heritage monuments. Taste a traditional Ginjinha liqueur before returning Lisbon.
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Lúcia de Jesus dos Santos Museum
The homes of the shepherd children have been preserved over time and now are museums open to the public. In the village of Aljustrel a short distance from the Sanctuary is the home of Jacinta and Francisco Marto.
Daily: 09h30 - 17h00.
42 Rua de Aljustrel, Fátima, 2495-301, Portugal.
39º 36' 58.7" N | 08º 39' 48.8" W
+351 249 521 777
Two minutes away is the family home of Lúcia de Jesus dos Santos who lived her adult life as a nun. On February 13, 2017, Sister Lúcia was accorded the title Servant of God, as the first major step toward her canonisation.
Daily: 09h30 - 17h00.
86 Rus dos Pastorinhos, Fátima, 2495-301, Portugal.
39º 36' 56.7" N | 08º 39' 53.7" W
+351 249 781 638
Not all the interesting things in the Fátima area are associated with the heavens. For those who seek pleasures of the underworld, the largest network of subterranean caverns in Portugal are found in Mira de Aire, only over eight miles (13.5km) south of Fátima. The caves extend almost eleven kilometres (7 mi) into the hills of the Parque Natural das Serras de Aire e Candeeiros. The Mira de Aire Caves are one of the seven natural wonders of Portugal. Over several levels, the visitor descends 683 steps into the depths, where multi-coloured lights illuminate an array of stalactites, stalagmites and other geological features to great effect.
For 45 minutes visitors are skilfully guided through the site stopping along the way for explanations of how nature formed such wonders. Highlights of the tour include an underground lake and a waterfall. The Mira de Aire caves were stumbled upon by local residents in 1947, however they didn't open to the public until 1974. Above ground, there's a small water park with swimming pools and a bar for adults and water slides to keep the young ones amused.
High Season: Daily 09h30 – 19h00, Low Season: Daily 09h30 – 17h30
Adult: €6.60, Child <12 Yrs: €3.90
470 Av. Dr. Luciano Justo Ramos, Mira de Aire, 2485-001, Portugal. | 39º 32' 39.3" N | 08º 42' 57.6" W
+351 244 440 322 | grutasmiradaire.com | Website
Mira de Aire Caves
Pegadas dos Dinossáurios
Non-creationists in the Fátima area head straight to the Pegadas dos Dinossáurios just outside the village of Bairro in the Serra de Aire hills six miles (10km) south of Fátima. It was here, in 1994, palaeontologists were astonished to discover the oldest and largest collection of preserved Sauropod tracks found anywhere in the world. The footprints of these giant herbivores are believed to be 175 million years old, first trodden in an ancient shallow lagoon since petrified into limestone. Hundreds of giant tracks (pegadas) are easy to see cast along a 150-metre area within a disused quarry floor. Judging by the spacing between the footprints experts believe these sauropods were up to thirty metres in length.
In the park, there are full-size Sauropod statues and information boards that explain in further detail.
Tuesday - Sunday 10h00 – 12h30/14h00 – 18h00
€3.00
Estrada de Fátima, Ourém, 2490-216, Portugal.
39º 34' 20.5" N | 08º 35' 40.3" W
+351 249 530 160
dinossaurios@hotmail.com | Website
Hotel Fátima is a 4-star hotel within easy walking distance to the Sanctuary of Fátima and the Apparitions Chapel. It features a large lounge area, bar and business centre. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning, satellite TV and a work desk. The hotel restaurant serves regional Portuguese and international cuisine. There are also facilities available for hosting weddings, banquets and conventions.
Rua João Paulo II, 241, 2495-451 Fátima, Portugal.
N 39º 37' 52.3" | W 08º 40' 32.7"
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The Essence Inn Marianos hotel is located in the centre of Fátima, just 50 yards away from the Shrine, in Fatima. Room décor varies depending on the floor and free WiFi is available throughout. The bright refurbished rooms have private bathrooms with a shower, air conditioning and a direct-line telephone. The Essence Inn Marianos also features a restaurant, a chapel and private free parking.
2 Rua de São Paulo, 2495-435 Fátima, Portugal.
N 39º 37' 51.4" | W 08º 40' 35.6"
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This design hotel is located less than 200 yards from the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima. It features a restaurant, a bar and in-room free Wi-Fi. Hotel Anjo de Portugal's bright rooms feature flat-screen TVs and work desks. All rooms are air-conditioned and have a bathtub in the en suite bathroom. The on-site restaurant combines nouvelle cuisine and minimalist décor. There is an outdoor lounge area, where guests can enjoy a cool drink or a coffee from the hotel's bar.
24 Rua Anjo de Portugal, 2495-415, Fátima, Portugal.
N 39º 38' 02.2" | W 08º 40' 35.3"
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One of the best restaurants not only in the area but as the country as a whole. Ideally located close to the sanctuary dinner here is the perfect way to round off the day. A flight of wooden stairs guide you down to an intimate dining area with stone walls. Tia Alice (Aunt Alice) first opened it's doors in 1988 and have gained a great reputation for fine dinning and mastery of Portuguese fare. Far from being pretentious the dinning experience here is relaxed and friendly.
Tuesday – Saturday: 19h30 - 21h00, Sunday & Monday: 12h00 - 15h00
152 Av. Irmã Lúcia de Jesus, Fátima, Portugal.
GPS: N 39º 37' 04.1" | W 08º 39' 12.6"
+351 249 531 737
tia-alice@sapo.pt
A small yet homely restaurant which serves beautifully presented Portuguese and international dishes at reasonable prices. The staff are very friendly and always at hand to offer advice and suggestions. If possible keep some room for their tasty selection of desserts. There are vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options available here too.
Daily: 12h00 - 14h30/19h00 - 22h00
895 Avenida dos Pastorinhos, Cova da Iria, 2495-408, Fátima, Portugal.
GPS: N 39º 35' 19.3" | W 08º 39' 09.7"
+351 49 153 159/916 300 356
geral@restauranteacave.pt | Website
Manhas serves authentic Portuguese cuisine with a contemporary twist. Quality is constantly very high as is the service. The friendly and attentive staff always making you feel welcome and much appreciated. The atmosphere too is laid back and the prices are reasonable.
Daily: 12h00 - 15h00/19h00 - 22h00
Avenida Dom Jose Alves Correia da Silva N0 114B | Nº 114 B, Fatima 2495-402, Portugal.
GPS: N 39º 37' 55.4" | W 08º 40' 51.2"
+351 249 534 327
reservas@manhas.pt | Website
126km ( 78 miles ) North East of Lisbon Portela Airport Website GET A GREAT DEAL ON FLIGHTS:![]() |
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From Lisbon take the A1 (with tolls) North 126 km ( 78 miles ), exit at Fatima and follow signs to the Santuario.. Latitude - 39º 37' 55.4" | Longitude - 08º 40' 51.5" GET A GREAT DEAL ON CAR HIRE: |
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Please note the Fátima train station as mentioned on timetables is in fact 19 miles (30 km) east of Fátima town itself. It's suggested to alight the train at Caxarias from Lisboa Santa Apolónia and take a connecting bus from there. Train Timetable | Connecting Bus Timetable |
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Rede Expressos run services to Fátima from Lisbon Sete Rios coach station and takes about 90 minutes. Website |