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Fatima, Portugal Guide: Planning Your Trip

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Fatima is a small town north of Lisbon , with a population of fewer than 8,000 people. Once a sleepy backwater in Portugal that depended upon the production of olive oil, today Fatima derives the bulk of its wealth from religious tourism and pilgrimage.

Unlike most pilgrimage destinations, Fatima's holy claims derive not from Medieval events (pilgrimage was very popular in the 11th and 12th centuries), but rather from 20th-century apparitions. On the 13th of May in 1917, the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared in a flash of light to three shepherd children near Fatima in a field called the Cova de Iria, urging them to return to the same spot on the 13th of each month.

Calling herself The Lady of the Rosary, in October, she revealed the three "Secrets of Fatima," relating to peace and world events, to one of the children. Now pilgrims will travel to Fatima to catch a glimpse of the Virgin Mary. Plan your trip to the small town with this guide.

Planning Your Trip

• Best Time to Visit: Between May and October as the weather is most agreeable during that time. May also has the largest religious gathering.
• Language: Portuguese
• Currency: Euros
• Getting Around: The city is small enough to travel on foot and buses and trains easily transport travels to other areas of Portugal.
• Travel Tip: Fatima is most popular on the May anniversary, but smaller pilgrimages are held on the 12th and 13th of every month.

Things to See and Do

Most of the main sights and activities in Fatima center around religion. Religious tourism centers around the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima, an extraordinary complex for a small town. These are some of the most popular sites to see:

• The Basilica of Our Lady of Fatima, a national shrine, is built in a neoclassical style with a tall central tower. Construction began on May 13th, 1928. The tombs of Lucia (currently in the process of beatification as she passed away recently), Saint Jacinta, and Saint Francisco are inside the Basilica, which is free to visit.
• Walk and see the Hungarian Stations of the Cross consist of 14 chapels built along a 1.9-mile (3-kilometer) stone walkway leading uphill to a marble monument of Christ on the cross.
• Visit the Homes of the Children, which has largely been unchanged in 80 years and offers an excellent chance to see what life was like in those times in Portugal. It can be visited in Aljustrel, just over three kilometers from Fatima.
• If you want a more in-depth experience, consider seeing Fatima on a private tour.

What to Eat and Drink

As to be expected, Portuguese food is the standard in Fatima. There aren't a ton of restaurants to try, but each is serving delicious Portuguese fare.

Where to Stay

For the full experience many pilgrims will camp in the countryside. There are a number of campsites that can accomodate tent campers, as well as those in caravans, or motorhomes. Most first timers will want to stay in the city center, close to the action but staying in a more remote area can mean a more luxurious hotel room. There are guesthouses, hotels, and campgrounds for travelers of all budgets. Remember to reserve your rooms well in advance if you plan your vacation during the celebration periods or the high period from May to October.

Getting There

You can take bus or train to Fatima from Lisbon or Porto . Be aware that there is no train station in Fatima itself, but shuttle buses connect the Caxarias station to Fatima (or you can take a taxi). The train/shuttle bus route will take a little over 2 hours. Rede Express buses run from Lisbon's Sete Rios station. The trip takes about 90 minutes.

By car, Fatima can be accessed from the A1 motorway. Exit at Fatima and follow signs to the Santuario. If you do decide to drive, be prepared to spend a lot of time hunting for a parking space.

If you're flying to Fatima, you'll be landing in the Lisbon airport. After clearing customs you can take a train, bus, or rent a car.

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Visit of Fatima in Portugal

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Fatima is a small town, a world-renowned Christian centre, located 120 km north of Lisbon. Once upon a time, Fatima was a rugged desert region with a few trees, where shepherds and farmers met from time to time, cultivating small plots of land behind low stone walls.

Fatima became world-famous and became one of the most frequented Christian pilgrimage centres due to the apparition of the Virgin Mary in 1917 to three Portuguese shepherd’s children – Lucia dos Santos, her cousin Jacinta and her brother Francisco. The Virgin Mary appeared to the children for six months and predicted the future events of the 20th century.

In Fatima you can see the majestic basilica, built in neo-baroque style and framed by an esplanade. An enormous oak tree has been preserved: it is here that the Virgin Mary appeared to the three little shepherds. In a wide area in front of the basilica there is a path along which the believers walk on their knees. In the glass chapel-temple built on the site of Fatima you can see the statue of the Virgin Mary.

There are hospitals on either side of the Basilica of Fatima. The main street, named after one of the three children (Francisco Martha), starts from Fatima Square. Religious souvenir shops, museums and hotels line this street from north to south.

Every year on 13 May and 13 October, thousands of pilgrims come here to celebrate the anniversary of the miraculous event of Fatima in Portugal.

There are few places in Europe that have as much meaning for Christians as the shrines of Fatima. By coming here, you will be able to better understand the religious culture of Portugal. Pilgrims, in their thousands, travel to Cova da Iria, a place only two kilometres from the centre of Fatima, east of the A1 motorway. In the vicinity of the city you will find several other motorways, including the Correia da Silva motorway, which has a bus station and a tourist office. There are many hotels and restaurants in Fatima, as well as other tourist facilities designed to serve all these visitors. From window displays, passers-by “look” at statues of the Virgin Mary and busts of the Pope of Rome.

Visit Fatima and Cova da Iria

To visit Fatima or Cova da Iria, I propose two solutions that could all suit you and allow you to discover this region of Portugal better than anyone else.

Your first option is to hire a company that specializes in guided tours. These guided tours of Fatima will probably be done in groups but will allow you to discover all the wonders of the city of Fatima, the religious monuments of Cova da Iria and to be able to join the thousands of pilgrims who visit the city every year. I have selected for you below the guided tours of Fatima that have received the best marks and comments from specialists in the field, so that you will not make a mistake in your choice. The tours are conducted by English-speaking guides, often specialists in the field they present, and can be cancelled up to 24 hours in advance: you can therefore book your visit to Fatima with your eyes closed.

Hotels in Fatima

Given the worldwide fame of this city in Portugal and the number of visitors that rush there every year, it is important to book a hotel in Fatima as soon as possible.

Booking.com

The map above shows you the hotels in Cova da Iria, which is two kilometres from Fatima and is the location of all the monuments you wish to visit.

What to see in Fatima

By presenting here what to see in Fatima, I want to say of course that seeing in Cova da Iria which is actually the place you will visit and to which you will find all the most impressive religious monuments. Find below the main religious monuments to visit in Fatima and which attract millions of pilgrims every year from Europe and around the world.

Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima is an absolutely magnificent complex of architectural structures that includes a small chapel and the Basilica of the Virgin Mary. It is an area where more than 150,000 people can gather at one time, which gives you an idea of its great size.

The construction of the church began in the late 1920s of the 19th century. The building itself was not very large, but as the demand and importance of pilgrim gatherings in Fatima grew, the outline was enlarged so that more people could gather there.

Church of the Holy Trinity in Fatima

The church is considered to be one of the largest in the world in terms of total interior area (over 10,000 square meters). The construction has been completed since 2004 for three years. The inauguration took place 90 years after the Blessed Virgin Mary met with children.

In the interior corridors there are resting places for believers, a cafeteria, about fifty confessional rooms and several chapels.

We should also mention the design of the walls. In addition to the beautiful mosaic, the walls are decorated with words from the Bible, translated into more than 20 languages.

Chapel of the Apparitions of the Virgin Mary at Fatima

The chapel was built in 1919 on the place where the children met the Virgin Mary. A few years later the chapel was destroyed. The decision of the local authorities was to restore the chapel.

The children met the Mother of God on May 13 for the first time. Therefore, this day is traditionally celebrated as the anniversary of the event. A large number of pilgrims come to Fatima and the Chapel of the Apparition of the Virgin Mary becomes the most visited place in the city.

Statue of John Paul II in Fatima

The perfectly executed sculpture of John Paul II is located next to the “new” Basilica of the Holy Trinity in Fatima. The sculpture is very beautiful and pleasant to look at. It is thought that John Paul II may have been part of the third prophecy of the Virgin Mary.

In 1981 in the Italian capital, the pope was shot. The wound was not fatal because at the time of the shooting he reportedly saw a girl in the crowd with the image of Our Lady of Fatima in her hands and therefore turned slightly.

Fatima Wax Museum

Visiting the Wax Museum of Fatima is an excellent opportunity not only to appreciate the talent and skill of the artists who worked on the creation of the exhibitions but also to recall a little bit of the history of the city. The idea of the Wax Museum of Fatima and its creation appeared at the beginning of the 80s of the last century.

In 1984, the doors of the Wax Museum of Fatima were opened for the first visitors. The main idea was to present the most significant and important historical events related to religious themes. You can see scenes dedicated to children’s encounters with the Virgin Mary, the figures of many famous inhabitants and other interesting exhibits.

Ethnographic House-Museum of Aljustrel in Fatima

On the very outskirts of the town of Fatima is a small village. It is here that the children were born who in 1917 met the Blessed Virgin Mary for the first time. The museum is a small house that contains various exhibitions about the “Miracle of Fatima”, as well as tools and objects from peasant life. On the walls you can see many paintings, which describe the life of the village before and after the apparition of the Virgin.

Visiting the courtyard, you can get acquainted with ancient equipment and trades such as blacksmiths or ovens to discover all the equipment and the real work place of the master mason.

Restaurant Ponto de Encontro in Fatima

The restaurant “Ponto de Encontro” in Fatima (port. Ponto de Encontro) is the restaurant of Fatima. There are of course many others, but this one is particularly popular with tourists and locals alike. Thanks to the spacious and comfortable rooms, this “meeting place” is often reserved for weddings and other celebrations.

The menu consists mainly of meat dishes. The calling card of the establishment is grilled meat. It is all the more worthwhile as several dishes are prepared according to old Portuguese recipes.

Lucia’s house in Fatima

Lucia was the mother of one of the three children who met the Blessed Virgin Mary. Her house has been turned into a museum where the attributes of peasant life are displayed.

Ouram’s Dinosaur footprints in Fatima

The conservation area is a little far from the town of Fatima. In this place, in the mid-1990s of the last century, dinosaur footprints were discovered. Thanks to the petition of the National Museum of Natural History, the area where the tracks were found was given the status of a natural monument. In the spring of 1997, this emblem became accessible to everyone.

History of Fatima in Portugal

Many years ago, on May 13, 1917, after Sunday Mass, three little shepherds (Jacinta, Francisco and Lucia) from the town of Cova da Iria, near the small Portuguese town of Fatima, were raising their sheep near their little peasant house. Suddenly, lightning struck and they decided that with the onset of the storm, the sheep had to be sheltered somewhere. 

At that moment, the image of the most holy Theotokos appeared to them, which according to them, shone brighter than the sun. When the children told the adults about it, no one believed them, but the miracle was repeated on the 13th of each month until October. The last and sixth phenomenon appeared on October 13th. In 1917 70,000 people, including people who were skeptical about the belief and these apparitions were able to observe the phenomenon. 

And the solar miracle of Fatima appeared to the whole crowd: the sun “danced” in the sky in circles, then became completely black for several minutes before returning to its place. The next day Portugal learned that several cripples who had seen the Mother of God had been miraculously healed …

When a temple was built on the site of the phenomenon in 1944, the sick and maimed began to come to it from all over Portugal. In a special place near the basilica, parishioners bring wax body parts (stomachs, heads, liver, legs …) in the hope of healing. According to the Catholic tradition, the pilgrim must go to the temple and kneel down. 

The Virgin Mary gave the children three prophecies. In the years that have passed since these events, the predictions of the Virgin have been repeated: the atheistic era of socialism began in Russia, the world was shaken by the horrors of the Second World War and the coalition of pro-communist states collapsed. 

Amazing chronological chains are associated with the dates of the events of the Mother of God of Fatima. For example, the attempt on the life of Pope John Paul II took place on the anniversary of his first apparitio. The miraculous healing of the Pope was another confirmation of the predictions of 1917. 

Professor Kruchitti, who operated on him, said a 9mm bullet pierced the Pope’s body, improbably bypassing all vital organs as if an invisible hand were guiding him: the bullet was placed a few millimetres from the main aorta, the damage to which resulted in instant death. 

“It was a real miracle and I know who to be grateful to. One hand pointed the gun and the other changed the orientation of the bullet,” said John Paul II himself. 

On 25 March 1984 in St. Peter’s Square in Rome, in front of the statue of the Mother of God brought from Fatima, John Paul II, in union with the bishops of the whole world, dedicated to Russia and to all humanity the Most Holy Heart of the Blessed Virgin, in response to the request of the Mother of God of Fatima.

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Fatima, Portugal in 2024: an independent travel guide

Fatima is the most important pilgrimage site in Portugal. This is where an apparition of Mary appeared to three shepherd children, six times over the course of six months, culminating in the Miracle of the Sun, which was witnessed by over 70,000 people.

These events draw many millions of pilgrims and visitors to Fatima every year, and at the site of the apparitions, a massive religious complex has been constructed. Within this complex is a beautiful Basilica, a colossal church, a sprawling plaza, and the tiny chapel Mary instructed to be built.

This article will provide a tourist guide to Fatima, and help you plan the perfect trip to Fatima.

Highlights of Fatima

The magnificent Basílica de Nossa Senhora do Rosário.

Attending a church service at the Capelinha das Aparições, where the Nossa Senhora de Fátima first appeared.

Visiting the rustic houses that the child shepherds grew up in - the above image is the Casa da Lúcia

The peaceful and reflective atmosphere of the Santuário de Fátima, filled with devout pilgrims

Is it worth visiting Fatima?

There are two types of tourists who visit Fatima; 1) The religious; those who wish to pray, make a blessing or as a personal pilgrimage 2) The curious; those who are interested but not deeply religious, or simply want to visit a famous location in Portugal

If you are visiting Fatima as the first group, you will adore your time in the town. The Santuário de Fátima has a deeply religious atmosphere, you can join a church service at the Capelinha das Aparições (site of Mary’s first apparition), perform a dedication (via a lighting candle), along with visiting the two Basilicas (Basílica de Nossa Senhora do Rosário and the Basílica da Santíssima Trindade).

If you are visiting as the second group, you may have mixed feelings about Fatima. The apparition of Mary and the Miracle of the Sun only occurred in 1917, so the entire complex is relatively modern, and if the truth be told, rather bland. The only standout building is the Nossa Senhora do Rosário Basilica, with all other structures massive but of a functional design. Once the main religious sites are seen, there is not much else to see or do in Fatima itself.

The interior of the Basílica de Nossa Senhora do Rosário

The entrance to the Basílica de Nossa Senhora do Rosário, has a giant monument dedicated to the Rosary

A day trip to Fatima

Fatima can be visited as a day trip from Lisbon, but involves either a 1h10m drive or 1h30m bus journey each way (public transport details are at the end of this article).

A typical visit to Fatima takes two hours, and this is sufficient time to visit the two basilicas, the Capelinha das Aparições, the waxwork museum and purchase some religious gifts from the countless gift shops. A visit will be longer if you plan to join a church service, or want to light a candle at the Capelinha das Aparições (there can be very long queues at peak times).

A good place to begin your day trip, and gain an understanding of Fatima is the Museu Interativo, which provides a detailed overview of the history of Fatima. The Museu de Cera de Fátima has beautiful wax statues and is recommended to extend a visit.

The shepherd's houses, in the village of Aljustrel (2.2km south from the Santuário de Fátima), have been restored to how they were in 1917, and are also worth including in the day trip. Most evenings between May and October there are beautiful candle processions, which are a magical experience (details provided further on).

Within Fatima, there is a wide choice of restaurants and cafes, and there are many good inexpensive options – primarily design for Portuguese visitors who would refuse to accept over-inflated tourist prices!

Generally, Fatima will only be a half-day trip, and if you are driving, we would recommend combining Fatima with the castle of Ourém or the limestone caves of Grutas da Moeda .

Advice: It is not advisable to visit Fatima at the weekends or the 13th of each month, as it can be very busy. Also, Fatima is not ideal on a wet day, as there is little shelter within the Santuário de Fátima. Below is an interactive map detailing the main sights of Fatima

Sights of Fatima: 1) Capelinha das Aparições 2) Basílica de Nossa Senhora do Rosário 3) Basílica da Santíssima Trindade 4) Casa da Lúcia 5) Casa de Jacinta e Francisco Marto 6) Museu de Cera de Fátima 7) Museu Interativo 8) Grutas da Moeda

Have you considered a small group tour to Fatima?

An organised tour is a great way to discover Fatima. The standard of tours in Portugal is very high, with knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides, and tours that are designed for modern tourists. An organised tour fits so much sightseeing into a single day, and removes the hassle of public transport. We have worked with GetYourGuide for the previous five years, and some of their best tours which include Fatima, are: • Fátima region tour from Lisbon (€72) • A popular small group tour of Fatima, Obidos and Nazaré from Lisbon (€65) • Fátima, Nazaré, Óbidos from Lisbon (€60) • Fátima and Coimbra full-day tour from Porto (€85)

Is it worth spending a night in Fatima?

It’s worth staying in the Fatima region but maybe not necessarily in the town itself, as there are many more fascinating destinations in the surrounding region.

To the west is the historic city of Tomar and the pretty hilltop castle of Ourém, while to the east are the two grand monasteries of Alcobaça and Batalha, and the charming beach town of Nazaré. Generally, we would recommend staying the night in Tomar and have a day trip to Fatima. Related articles: Tomar – Nazaré – Batalha

Hotels in Fatima The map below shows the location of the best hotels and accommodation in Fatima. If you adjust the dates to your stay, it will display current prices and availability.

The modern Basílica da Santíssima Trindade, was completed in 2007 and has seating for 8,633

Tombs of Lucia and Jacinta in the Basílica de Nossa Senhora do Rosário

Important days at Fatima

The main pilgrimage days to Fatima align with the dates of the six apparitions, which all occurred on 13th of each month, from the 13th May (first vision), up to the Miracle of the Sun (13th October 1917).

The 13th May and 13th October are major pilgrimage days to Fatima (the Peregrinação de Fátima) and on the preceding night (the 12th) there is a beautiful candlelit procession led by the bishop and church leaders.

During May to October, there are candle processions most evenings, which are a beautiful spectacle to behold. The latest schedule, along with times of masses can be seen on the official Shine of Fatima website: www. fatima.pt /en/ schedule

Please be respectful

Fatima is an important pilgrimage site, with many people undertaking devotions due to illness, bereavement, or personal difficulties. The Santuário de Fátima is not a place for group photos, selfies or simply gawping at pilgrims. Always come respectfully dressed. It should be noted, that all religions and faiths are welcomed at Fatima.

The vast central plaza of the Santuário de Fátima, which can accommodate the many thousands of pilgrims who visit on important feat days

The Capelinha das Aparições and the Pope’s bullet

The tiny Capelinha das Aparições chapel is the focal point for all devotion to Fatima, and its construction was instructed by Mary.

The actual site where Mary appeared, just in front of the chapel, is marked by a statue of Our Lady of Fatima. Encompasses both the chapel and statue of Mary, is a modern open-sided church, and is where the masses are held.

Pope John Paul II had a close connection with the Lady of Fátima, believing the third secret of Fatima foretold the assassination attempt on his life in 1981, and protected him during it. In devotion, one of the four bullets which struck him is encased in the crown on the Our Lady of Fatima statue.

Insight: When pilgrims pay homage to Fatima by walking on their knees or crawling, they are heading to the Capelinha das Aparições, and not the grand Basílica de Nossa Senhora do Rosário.

The Capelinha das Aparições chapel with the statue of Mary

The Azinheira Tree

When Mary first appeared to the Shepherds in 1917, she appeared beneath an Azinheira tree (holm oak or holly oak). This blessed but unfortunate tree was soon stripped away by locals wishing to make holy relics from its branches and trunk.

The Azinheira tree that stands in the Santuário de Fátima today, was the tree that the three shepherds prayed under, and is over 110 years old.

The Azinheira tree adds a bit of greenery to the utilitarian plaza in the Santuário de Fátima

Lighting a Candle at Fatima

One of the religious highlights of Fatima is to light a candle and pray for a special intention at the Capelinha das Aparições. Candles can be purchased from the stall just to the rear of the chapel, for the inexpensive price of €0.80, with the larger 60cm candles only costing €2.70. Insight: The candles are a brown colour as they are moulded from the waste wax collected from the hundreds of burning candles

The location where the candles are lit. The sheer number of candles lit can generate significant heat, and some pilgrims simply add their candle to the pyre of burning candles

The shepherd’s houses

One of the highlights of Fatima are the houses that the shepherd's lived in as children. The two houses (the Casa de Jacinta e Francisco Marto and the Casa da Lúcia) have been restored to how they were in 1917, and even retain some of the original furniture.

At the bottom of the garden in Lúcia's house is the Poço do Arneiro well, and is where the angel (Anjo de Portugal) appeared to the children in 1916.

The restored bedroom in the Casa de Jacinta e Francisco Marto

Travel between Lisbon and Fatima

Driving is the quickest way to travel to from Lisbon to Fatima. The route follows the A1 expressway and turns off at junction 8 (after passing through the hills of the Serras de Aire e Candeeiros), which leads to the many car parks surrounding Fatima. The only downside to the 92km journey along the fast A1 road, is the high toll of €8.40 each way. Insight: Lisbon airport is the nearest airport to Fatima and a private transfer costs €130 .

For public transport, bus travel is the only sensible option as Fatima train station is 20km to the east of the town, and there is no feasible travel option from the train station to the Santuário de Fátima.

The bus services are operated by Rede Expressos, the main intercity bus company of Portugal. There are up to 18 daily departures from Lisbon to Fatima, but tickets should be booked in advance, as popular services do sell out. The bus service departs from Sete Rios bus station in Lisbon, the journey takes 1h30m, and a single adult fare costs €12.80. The latest timetables and bookings can be made of the Rede Expressos website: www. rede-expressos. pt/ Related articles: Lisbon to Fatima - Sete Rios bus station

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More about fátima, portugal, why visit fátima, religous sites.

Listen carefully as your local expert tells you the story of the three peasant children who had several visions of the Virgin Mary. These apparitions have shaped most of what you’ll see as you explore Fátima. Visiting the following sacred places will allow you to fully appreciate the religious presence of this holy place.

Sanctuary of Fátima

Visit the awe-inspiring complex considered to be one of the most revered shines in Catholicism, the Sanctuary of Fatima. Upon entering this religious compound, you’ll see a vast esplanade complete with an impressive fountain spouting holy water and two impressively grand churches at either end. Don’t be surprised to see guests shuffling on their knees to the spot where Mary appeared – the historic oak tree and Chapel of the Apparitions.

The Chapel of the Apparitions

The soul of the Sanctuary of Fatima is found at the Chapel of the Apparitions. There, you’ll learn that of the six apparitions the children saw, five occurred here. Through Her instruction to the children, the chapel was built and has since remained mostly true to its original structure.

Casa Jacinta e Francisco Marto

Travel to the nearby village of Aljustrel to see the humble home of Jacinta and Francisco Marto, the two siblings who were said to have seen the Virgin Mary. See the abode that housed the two saintly shepherds and learn how their lives came to an untimely end. Just a short distance further you can visit the third shepherd and cousin of the Marto children, Lúcia de Jesus dos Santos.

Valinhos Sanctuary

Follow in the saintly steps of the three young shepherds as you make your way from Aljustrel to the Valinhos Sanctuary. If you wish, pray the Stations of the Cross as you walk through serene pathways leading to this simple monument atop a short hill. Marvel in the preservation of this land, lined with olive and oak trees. We suggest taking the day to visit this place of deep faith and introspection.

If your journey has inspired you to seek out more knowledge on Fátima’s religious past, then the town’s museums may be perfect for you. Many of Fátima’s museums serve to better connect guests with the story of Christ and the holy events that occurred in this humble Portuguese town. Here’s our collection of some must-see museums in Fátima.

Museu Vida de Cristo

See the life of Christ in a new, unique way as you visit Fátima’s Museu Vida de Cristo. More than 200 wax characters depict the life of Christ in 33 different scenes ranging from the Annunciation to the Ascension. We suggest visiting here after seeing the nearby Sanctuary of Fátima.

Museu Interativo

Immerse yourself in the holy story of the Apparitions and visit Fátima’s Museu Interativo. Interact with 4D figures of the Angel of Portugal, Our Lady of Fatima and the Miracle of the Sun to further connect to the shepherds’ visions. This enthralling experience is not to be missed.

Museu de Arte Sacra e Etnologia

Learn of Portugal’s integral role in shaping the modern Catholic faith with a visit to this sacred museum. View displays of maps, photographs, and pieces of art from around the world as you trace the roots of Christianity. Learn of Portugal’s integral role in shaping the modern Catholic faith with a visit to this sacred museum. View displays of maps, photographs, and pieces of art from around the world as you trace the roots of Christianity.

House-Museum of Aljustrel

Take a moment to learn about the sacred village of Aljustrel with a visit to this museum. Travel back in time to the first decades of the twentieth century as you learn of the events that shaped Fátima. We suggest this museum for a better understanding of the time in which these little shepherds lived.

Attractions

While many of Fátima’s major attractions are faith-based, not all that you can see here is focused on the town’s holy reputation. Explore a stately castle, explore a paleontological site, or navigate a network of caves – your local guide can suggest a variety of enthralling spots. And if you’re hungry, there’s plenty of Portuguese fare to keep you satisfied.

Monumento Natural das Pegadas de Dinossaurio

Take a day trip to the nature park Serras de Aire and encounter something truly from another time. Imagine walking amongst the dinosaurs as you witness the world’s largest and most important collection of sauropod footprints. For a short diversion from your pilgrimage, we recommend visiting this fascinating site.

Grutas de Moeda

As you tour this geological gem, the local guide will likely tell you of its accidental discovery and the legend behind its name. Marvel at this remarkable earthly creation as you explore limestone galleries like the “Shepherd’s Room”, “Flawed Chapel,” and “Nativity Scene.” With a constant temperature of 18°C (about 64°F) all year round, the caves are a hospitable and safe destination to visit any time.

Ourém Castle

High above the modern-day town of Ourém is the hilltop abode of Count Afonso. Step back into time as you tour the sprawling castle grounds completely rebuilt in the 15th century using typical Italian military architectural styles of the time. If you have proper walking shoes on, we suggest you head to the top to see panoramic views.

After a powerful day touring faith-based sites, you’ll certainly want to get your fill of Portuguese food and drink. The heritage of Fátima is infused through dishes like savory migas, silky sheep’s cheese, cured Serrano ham, and delicious walnut cake. We suggest dining in the old quarter for truly authentic cuisine.

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Welcome to Fatima, Portugal

Dear pilgrim of Fatima: welcome to our official website.

We schedule guided tours for those willing to experience the Sanctuary of Fatima (Portugal) and the surrounding places related to the Angel of Peace and Our Lady apparitions. We provide an intimate and personalized full-day tour with a local professional guide.

We are waiting for you here, in the Virgin Mary's land, in the «altar of the world».

1st Part: Morning Tour

Our guided tour starts in Cova da Iria and includes a presentation and guided tour to the Sanctuary of Fatima and its main references, which include: the Chapel of the Apparitions (considered as "the heart" of the Marian Shrine and where the Virgin Mary appeared in 1917); the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary (where can be visited the tombs of the three little shepherds: Lucia dos Santos, St. Francisco and St. Jacinta Marto); and the modern Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity .

2nd Part: Afternoon Tour

Our guided tour continues to the surrounding apparition sites of the Angel of Peace , along with the place of the 4th apparition of Our Lady in August 19, 1917, who took place in Valinhos . We will also go to Aljustrel village to visit the late 19th century family houses of the three seers of Our Lady. The guided tour ends with a visit to the Parish Church of Fatima where the three shepherd children were baptized. All visits described are made by walking tour.

Sightseeing tours Places of interest

Sister lucia's house.

This is the family home of Lucia dos Santos – Sister Lucia, the main seer of the Virgin Mary apparitions in Cova da Iria, Fátima, Portugal.

Francisco and Jacinta's House

This is the family home of Francisco and Jacinta Marto, the little shepherds to whom Our Lady appeared in Cova da Iria, Fátima, Portugal.

Aljustrel village

Aljustrel is a small village that became famous for being the birthplace of Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta – the three little shepherds of Fatima.

Francisco and Jacinta's Room

Bedroom where were born the saints Francisco and Jacinta Marto, little shepherds to whom Our Lady appeared in Cova da Iria, Fatima, Portugal.

Loca do Cabeço / Valinhos

The place of the 1st and 3rd apparitions of the Angel of Peace – known as the Guardian Angel of Portugal – is located in Valinhos, Fatima.

Hungarian Calvary / Valinhos

The Way of the Cross stations in Fatima and the Calvary were offered by Hungarian Catholics, refugees in Portugal after the soviet invasion.

Chapel of King Saint Stephen

The Chapel dedicated to the King Saint Stephen was offered by Hungarian Catholics, refugees in Portugal after the soviet invasion of Hungary.

Parish Church of Fatima

The Parish Church of Fatima is where the three little shepherds were baptized and where Saint Francisco Marto spent many hours in adoration to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.

Wax Museum of Fatima

The Wax Museum of Fatima depicts the whole history of Our Lady of Fatima apparitions in 31 scenes with 119 wax figures.

Our Lady of the Rosary Basilica

The Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary is the main temple of the Sanctuary of Fatima. It was consecrated to the Marian invocation presented by Our Lady during her apparitions in 1917.

Chapel of the Apparitions

The Chapel of the Apparitions is a small chapel located in Cova da Iria that was constructed in the 1920s to mark the exact place where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared in Portugal.

Basilica of the Holy Trinity

The Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity is the latest temple built in the complex of the Sanctuary of Fatima. This Minor Basilica was designed by the Greek architect Alexandros Tombazis.

Sanctuary of Our Lady of Ortiga

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Ortiga marks the place where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared around 1758 to a mute shepherdess and where she promised that would bestow many graces.

Eucharistic Miracle (Santarém)

The Church of St. Stephen – current Sanctuary of the Most Holy Miracle – in Santarém marks the place where the sacred particles of the 13th century Eucharistic miracle are preserved.

Shrine of Our Lady of Nazaré

The Shrine of Our Lady of Nazaré dates back to the 14th century. It evokes the famous miracle that occurred through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1182.

Monastery of Batalha

The Monastery of Saint Mary of the Victory was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This monument was also elected as one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal.

Monastery of Alcobaça

The Monastery of Saint Mary of Alcobaça was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This monument was also elected as one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal.

Óbidos – The medieval village

UNESCO considered the iconic Portuguese medieval village of Óbidos as a "literary city". Its castle has been declared one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal.

Special offers

We provide all the necessary materials so that you may have the best visit / pilgrimage to Fátima, Portugal: printed color maps, tourist itineraries, prayer cards of Our Lady of Fatima and of the three little shepherds, etc.

THE 10 BEST Fatima Tours & Excursions

Fatima tours.

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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Fátima, Nazaré and Óbidos Small-Group Day Trip from Lisbon

2. Discover Fátima: Half-Day Small-Group Tour from Lisbon

3. Full-day Fátima, Nazaré, and Óbidos Small-Group Tour from Lisbon

4. Fatima, Batalha, Nazare, Obidos Full-Day Group Tour from Lisbon

5. Fatima Private Half Day Tour from Lisbon

6. Private Tour to Fátima, Monastery of Batalha, Nazaré and Óbidos

7. Faith and Heritage: Fátima, Batalha, Nazaré, Óbidos from Lisbon

8. Fátima and Coimbra Full Day Tour with Optional Lunch

9. Day tour Fatima and Sintra

10. Full Day Tour in Fatima Nazaré and Obidos

11. Divine Fátima Full Day Private Tour from Lisbon

12. Templar's Castle, Nazaré and Obidos

13. Fátima, Nazaré, Óbidos and S. Martinho do Porto Small-Group Tour from Lisbon

14. Private Transfer Porto-Lisbon with 2 (two) Visits on the Way

15. Fátima, Batalha, Nazaré and Óbidos Private Tour

16. Lisbon to Porto with stop Óbidos, Nazaré, Fátima, Coimbra, Aveiro

17. Small Group Tour to Fátima, Batalha, Nazaré and Óbidos from Lisbon

18. Fatima, Batalha, Nazare and Obidos Full Day Tour from Lisbon

19. Óbidos, Nazaré, Batalha and Fátima Full Day Tour From Lisbon

20. Private Half Day Tour to Fatima from Lisbon

21. Fátima, Nazaré and Óbidos Tour

22. Three Cities in One Day Tour: Sintra, Nazaré, Fátima from Lisbon

23. Private Half Day Tour to Fatima from Lisbon

24. Full Day Private Tour to Nazare, Fatima/Mira de Aire and Obidos

25. Private 5H Tour of Fatima from Lisbon

26. Porto: Fatima and Coimbra Day Trip

27. Private Day Tour With Guide to Fatima, Batalha, Nazaré and Obidos

28. Fátima & Coimbra: Full Day Private Tour from Porto

29. Lisbon: Tour of Fátima, Batalha, Nazaré & Óbidos

30. Fátima, Nazaré and Óbidos Small Group Tour from Lisbon

What travelers are saying.

• Fátima, Nazaré and Óbidos Small-Group Day Trip from Lisbon
• Full-day Fátima, Nazaré, and Óbidos Small-Group Tour from Lisbon
• Discover Fátima: Half-Day Small-Group Tour from Lisbon
• Fatima, Batalha, Nazare, Obidos Full-Day Group Tour from Lisbon
• Faith and Heritage: Fátima, Batalha, Nazaré, and Óbidos Group Tour from Lisbon
• L-it Travel Solutions
• Fatima Experience - Tours to Remember
• Around-Portugal
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The Sanctuary of Fátima encloses an atmosphere of serenity and light, inviting prayers, reflection and harmony of spirit. Regardless of religious belief, no one stands indifferent to the universe of tranquillity and faith that it is found there.

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A Pilgrimage to Fatima, Portugal

Fatima is one of the most important religious pilgrimage sites in the world. pilgrims travel to fatima year round but the 13th of the months of may to october are the days that celebrate the apparitions of the virgin mary to the three shepherd children at the cova da iria ( a valley) in the parish of fatima in 1917. on those days you may be in a crowd of thousands of pilgrims many of whom arrived from hours away on foot. a pilgrimage to this holy site is a very special experience..

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Fátima , located in the Santarem district in Central Portugal, is a spiritual city that attracts over 8 million visitors annually. The iconic Sanctuary of Fátima, known for the Miracle of Fátima , intrigues both Catholics and atheists alike.

If you’re staying in Lisbon or Porto but want to experience this site, several Fátima tours are available, both private and group, to take you to Fátima for a day.

To help you choose, here are the top 4 Miracle of Fátima tours for 2023, but book quickly as these tours sell out fast due to the location’s popularity with religious pilgrims. Keep in mind that all tours allow free cancellation if done at least 24 hours beforehand.

1. 3 in 1 – Discover Fátima, Nazaré, and Óbidos from Lisbon

A lot of the best tours out there do not only stop at Fátima, but also at nearby cities. Embark on a small-group guided day trip from Lisbon to explore Portugal’s rich heritage and stunning countryside, including Fátima, Óbidos, and Nazaré.

Visit the Sanctuary of Fátima, where three children saw an apparition of the Virgin Mary in 1917, and learn about its significance as a pilgrimage site.

You will also get o discover the medieval town of Óbidos, experience the life of a fisherman in the seaside village of Nazaré, and marvel at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Batalha Monastery.

With a maximum of only 8 people, this small-group tour ensures a more personalized experience with your guide. 

2. Day Exploring Fátima and Coimbra

Another incredible tour is this affordable one departing from Porto that allows you to discover Portugal’s rich culture and religious history with a day trip to Fatima and Coimbra. With an expert local guide, this small-group tour ensures a personalized experience.

Explore the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Rosary in Fatima and attend mass at the sanctuary’s basilica, immersing yourself in the local religious culture.

Next, visit the university town of Coimbra, known for its prestigious university and informative walking tour. Learn about the history of the Old Cathedral of Coimbra and admire its Romanesque architecture. Keep in mind that the university tour fee is not included in the tour price.

3. Full Day Private Tour from Porto

Take a journey on this private tour to Fátima and Coimbra from Porto, allowing you to see these cities in a personalized way. You will get to experience one of the world’s main religious cities, on a private 8-hour tour.

Explore the beautiful Sanctuary and visit the village where the three little shepherds were born. Learn about the faith that moves many pilgrims each year.

In the afternoon, after a few hours of exploring the site of the Miracle of Fátima, visit Coimbra, a student city with one of the oldest universities in Europe. Explore the narrow streets of the city center and discover important references with the help of your expert guide. 

4. Private Tour of Fátima, Batalha, Nazaré & Obidos from Lisbon

Last but not least, this complete private tour of Fátima, Batalha, Nazaré, and Obidos allows you to explore four key cities in the center of Portugal with your very own guide. Visit the sacred city of Fatima, the Batalha Monastery, the fishing village of Nazare, and the walled village of Obidos, where you can taste the traditional ginjinha liquor. The guide for this tour will pick you up wherever you are in Lisbon and drop you off at the end of the day.

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15 Best Things to Do in Fátima (Portugal)

In the summer of 1917 the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to three young shepherds in what is now the town of Fátima in Portugal’s Centro Region. The place where they saw her has become an immense sanctuary and one of Christianity’s most important pilgrimage sites. There are two basilicas, a square where thousands of devotees can congregate and an itinerary of locations that hold a special meaning to the apparitions.

Add to these museums, high-rise hotels and some rather tacky souvenir shops. You don’t need to be Catholic to be blown away by the size of Fátima and the number of devotees that visit in the summer. But if you are Catholic the sanctuary and the story of the three children will be that much more meaningful.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Fátima :

1. Sanctuary of Fátima

For many Catholics, standing on this gigantic plaza could be a lifetime ambition.

For everyone else it’s still something you need to do, to gauge the amazing size of this place and comprehend what makes so many people tick.

At each end of the square are Fátima’s two basilicas, and there’s a large modern crucifix in front of the newer of the two on the south side.

The most spellbinding view faces down the slope towards the older sanctuary, which is winged by a colonnade.

If there’s a best time to come it’s around the 13th of each the month from May to October when there are “major” and “minor” pilgrimages to the shrine.

2. Basílica de Nossa Senhora do Rosário

It was barely a decade after the apparitions that construction began on this church with stirring Neo-Baroque architecture.

It is on the spot where the young shepherds are said to have seen Mary’s glow, which they at first mistook for a thunderstorm.

The architect was Dutchman Gerardus Samuel van Krieken, and when the church was finally completed and consecrated it was granted the status of minor basilica by Pope Pius XII. The tombs of the siblings Francisco Marto and Jacinta Marto are on either end of the transept.

Also at the portico on the entrance is a mosaic crafted in Vatican and showing the Holy Trinity crowning Mary.

3. Capela das Aparições

The first place of worship founded in Fátima after the sightings was this simple chapel, completed two years later in 1919. It was built to fulfil the supposed request Mary gave to the three shepherds and is now housed in a larger modern building with rows of benches for devotees.

The statue of Our Lady is at the exact location of the holm oak tree where Mary was seen and is in a glass case in front of the chapel.

The tree itself soon disappeared as its branches and trunk became religious relics.

4. Basilica of the Holy Trinity

By the middle of the 20th century Fátima’s popularity had exploded and plans had been in the pipeline for a second, much larger basilica since the 1950s.

This project was finally realised in the 2000s and was led by Greek architect Alexandros Tombazis.

Like a lot of Fátima, non-Christians will appreciate this minimalist building for its dizzying sense of scale.

It can seat more than 8,633 worshippers, has magnificent works of liturgical art as well as smaller prayer rooms in its basement.

Note the great bronze doors and panels by the Portuguese artist Pedro Calapez, and the image of Our Lady of Fátima, three metres high and shaped from Carrara marble.

5. Grutas da Moeda

On a different tack, these marvellous caves were discovered by accident in 1971 when two hunters chased a fox down a hole and found themselves surrounded by unearthly concretions.

There are ten individual chambers, each with calcareous rock shaped by running water over millions of years, and given religious names in honour of Fátima.

The network goes on for more than 350 metres, and it’s a refreshing day out in summer as the caves have a steady temperature of 18°C. The interpretation centre offers some geological background on the caves and has a display of minerals and Jurassic fossils.

6. Casa Jacinta e Francisco Marto

The three shepherds lived in the tiny village of Aljustrel, a kilometre or two from the sanctuary in Fátima.

You could drive, catch the tourist train or even walk the Via Sacra if you feel like it.

People make the trip to see the humble home that the brother and sister, Jacinta and Francisco Marto, shared with their parents and three other siblings.

It was here in 1919 and 1920 that Francisco and then Jacinta died during the flu epidemic after the First World War.

Regardless of your thoughts on religion you could still come to understand the lifestyle in the region at the time, as it’s also a special feeling to know that you’re standing in the home of two saints, even if their short lives were difficult.

7. Valinhos Sanctuary

The route that the three shepherds took from Aljustrel to the site of the apparitions at Cova da Iria was turned into a “Via Sacra” in the second half of the 20th century.

There’s a paved path through idyllic olive and holm oak groves, with 14 stops, each for a station of the cross.

It all ends with a 15th station, the Santo Estêvão Chapel,  to represent the resurrection.

Like the rest of the Via Sacra this was funded by Hungarian Catholics, unable to practice their religion in their own country during the Cold War.

8. Casa de Lúcia

While you’re in Aljustrel you could also pause at the home of the other young shepherd, Lúcia de Jesus dos Santos.

She was the cousin of the Marto siblings and survived the flu epidemic to become a nun and live to the age of 97, dying in 2005. As she died only recently, Lúcia is still in the process of becoming a saint, fast-tracked to canonisation by Pope Benedict in 2008. Like the home of her relatives, Lúcia’s house works best for non-Catholics as an insight into rural life in Portugal a century ago.

The furniture and few possessions are all original, including a rickety wooden loom.

9. Museu de Cera

One you’ve seen the churches, chapels and homes of the children in Fátima there’s a plethora of spin-off attractions and gift shops.

One of the best of these is this waxwork museum, which is more tasteful than you might expect.

Using 31 lifelike tableaux the museum presents the story of the Fátima Apparitions, historical context and cultural impact.

You’ll also be given some context about Christendom 1917 and will come away a bit more informed about the Fátima phenomenon.

10. Igreja Paroquial de Fátima

A moving stop in Fátima is the parish church that here long before the apparitions.

With a discreet Renaissance style it goes back at least as far as the 1500s, even if it has undergone many reconstructions since the sightings.

The most recent of these happened in the year 2000 when Jacinta and Francisco were canonised.

Inside you can find the font where the three shepherds were baptised.

The large cemetery in front adds some extra solemnity, and it was here that Jacinta and Francisco were buried before being moved to the Basílica de Nossa Senhora do Rosário.

11. Museu Vida de Cristo

Also much more than a tourist trap, this purpose-built museum is endowed with more than 200 high-quality waxwork figures recounting the life of Christ.

These characters are arranged in 33 different scenes, from Christ’s annunciation before his birth to his ascension after his resurrection.

The museum opened in 2007 and is the only one of its kind in the world.

For secular visitors there’s a lot to admire in the museum’s modern architecture and the level of care and workmanship that has gone into each tableau.

You might be ready for a break from Fátima’s religious devotion, and in which case the seat of the municipality is only 10 kilometres away.

Ourém is an enthralling old town ruled by a hilltop castle on an almost absurd gradient.

The first rule of Ourém is to wear sensible shoes to scramble around the alleys and stairways of the old quarter.

All the effort pays off big-time when you encounter views that can knock you off your feet, and the lavish home of the Counts of Ourém.

This was turned into a High Gothic pleasure palace in the 15th century and rises at the highest point, on a square hundreds of metres above sea level.

13. Day Trips

For nature you could venture south where the countryside gets dramatic in the Serra de Aire range.

This a natural park with a walking trails through deep chalk valleys and past long-abandoned mines.

The Mira de Aire Caves 15 kilometres away are the first of many underground systems.

A spectacle of a different kind is on hand at Batalha, where there’s a UNESCO-listed medieval monastery.

The stonework at this monument is out of this world and deserves as much time as you can afford.

Don’t miss the unfinished chapel and the tombs of John I, Philippa of Lancaster, and their sons who pioneered the Portuguese Age of Discovery.

14. Monumento Natural das Pegadas de Dinossáurio de Ourém-Torres Novas

Fátima is a whisker away from what might be Portugal’s top paleontological site.

On a former quarry in the Serra de Aire is the oldest and longest set of sauropod footprints found anywhere on earth.

Sauropods were some of the largest creatures to have walked the planet, with long bodies and tails, and small heads.

Their tracks at this site are about 175 million years old and are set in limestone that long ago was a muddy lagoon.

The best footprints are on a track that carries on for 147 metres, so detailed that palaeontologists could make new conclusions and pose theories about the animals’ anatomy and behaviour.

15. Cuisine

If you do get the chance to dine at a traditional restaurant around Fátima the local recipes go back to before the days of the three shepherds.

Meals needed to be filling and to make the most of whatever came to hand.

So leftover bread was reused for preparations like migas, in which it would be fried with cabbage and chouriço.

There are lots of old-school soups (sopas do verde) using any ingredients were available at the time.

On special occasions blood from newly slaughtered livestock would be used to thicken the broth.

A little more appetising is lamb stew, in which the meat is marinated overnight in paprika and garlic.

15 Best Things to Do in Fátima (Portugal):

• Sanctuary of Fátima
• Basílica de Nossa Senhora do Rosário
• Capela das Aparições
• Basilica of the Holy Trinity
• Grutas da Moeda
• Casa Jacinta e Francisco Marto
• Valinhos Sanctuary
• Casa de Lúcia
• Museu de Cera
• Igreja Paroquial de Fátima
• Museu Vida de Cristo
• Monumento Natural das Pegadas de Dinossáurio de Ourém-Torres Novas

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Fátima Portugal City guide, including the top religious sights

Religious or not, a visit to Fátima in Portugal is not to be missed. Discover the Sanctuary of Fátima, the Shrine and listen to the story of the 3 Sheppards.

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Overview of your visit to Fátima Portugal

• What to see?  Fátima is an important pilgrimage site in Portugal. Religious and non-religious visitors can enjoy a trip to this city.
• Costs?  The grounds are free to visit.
• Where?  Fátima is about 1,5 north of Lisbon and 2 hours south of Porto.
• Worth it?  Even if you’re not religious, Fátima is an interesting place to visit. There are also many day trips from Lisbon, which combine the cities of Óbidos, Fátima, and Nazaré.

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What is Fátima in Portugal famous for?

The year is 1917. Three shepherd children witness the appearance of Our Lady of Fátima , who is giving them prophecies. Cousins Lúcia dos Santos and Francisco and Jacinta Marto see this miracle on the 13th day of the month between May and October. The Catholic Church believes Our Lady of Fátima to be the Virgin Mary. In October of that same year, some 70.000 people witnessed the last prophesied apparition . This became known as the Miracle of Fátima or the Miracle of the Sun . Some observers claim the sun was acting unusually, whereas others claimed to see Our Lady of Fátima.

According to the children, three secrets of humankind were revealed to them, which would influence the future. The three Fátima secrets are related to the vision of the souls in Hell, the end of WWI and the start of WWII , and the vision of the Pope being killed by soldiers. The local bishop determined that the apparitions were believable , and the Marian devotion started in 1918.

Trailer of the movie Fatima

Francisco and Jacinta died very young from the Spanish flu pandemic. Francisco passed away in 1919, and Jacinta passed away in 1920. Lucia converted to a non and lived until 2015. Pope John Paul II beautified both children in May 2000, and many popes visited Fátima throughout the years.

Fátima became famous for its sightings; nowadays, it’s an important international destination for pilgrims and religious tourists. The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima is visited annually by about 6 to 8 million pilgrims . The name Fátima comes from a Moorish princess kidnapped by a knight. The parish was founded in 1568, and the first sightings of the Virgin Mary started as early as the 18th century. Between 1925 and 1929, there were also claims of apparitions of Child Jesus and the Holy Trinity and Our Lady.

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fátima

In 1918, the first buildings were constructed, and a cross was erected at the viewing site. The construction was the start of what we now know as the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fátima (or (Santuário de Nossa Senhora do Rosário de Fátima in Portuguese). The Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary and the Capelinha das Aparições were added, as well as a hotel and many other facilities.

The large Holm oak tree is where the children waited for the visitations. There is also a piece of the Berlin Wall outside the chapel. This marks the connection between the visions and the fall of communism. Let’s look at all the other religious monuments and buildings you can see here in the heart of Fátima, Portugal.

Capelinha das Aparições

The Marian apparitions happened at the Cova de Iria , a quarter in the parish of Fátima. The spot where the Virgin Mary allegedly appeared in 1917 is now the Capelinha das Aparições. The chapel was built in 1919, and a Mary statue is located inside. Our Lady in the Chapel of the Apparitions was crowned by the Vatican in 1930. There are regular services, and next to the chapel is a place to light candles. The chapel houses the Virgin’s crown , adorned with the bullet used in the assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II in 1981.

Basílica de Nossa Senhora do Rosário

The Basílica de Nossa Senhora do Rosário, or Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fátima , is the main church at the Sanctuary. The Chapel of the Apparitions is located to the left. The Basilica has a 65-metre-tall tower with a huge golden crown on top. It also houses the tombs of all three shepherds , including a painting of Our Lady. The 15 mysteries of the Rosary can be seen on the 15 altars that are displayed.

Basílica of the Holy Trinity

The Basílica of the Holy Trinity is the latest addition to the Sanctuary, and it was built in 1996. This church has much more space for pilgrims , and there are 8,633 seats available. There are two sections with benches, and there are several chapels . These are the Chapel of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the Chapel of the Holy Sacrament, and many more. The modernist design received the Outstanding Structure Award from the International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering in 2009.

Museu do Santuário de Fátima

When you visit the Museum of the Shrine of Fátima , you’ll be able to see religious artefacts. It was founded in 1955, and there are permanent and temporary exhibitions . You’ll learn about the development of the Shrine, and the fixed displays are Fátima  Light and Peace and the House Museum of Aljustrel.

Where is Fátima, Portugal?

Fátima, Portugal, is located north of Lisbon, in the municipality of Ourém and the district of Santarém . From Lisbon and Porto, you can reach Fátima in about 1,5 to 2 hours by car.

Travel to Fátima by car

The easiest way to reach Fátima is by car . You can follow the A1 towards Porto and exit the motorway at junction 8. The centre of Fátima is just a few minutes from the main road. The A8 takes a little longer , about 2 hours. On the plus side, you can visit Óbidos, Caldas da Rainha, and Batalha on the way. From Porto, you can follow the A1 towards Lisbon, and the journey takes about 2 hours by car.

Trains to Fátima

You can take a train from Lisbon Sete Rios to the city centre of Fátima, Portugal. It will take around 1 hour and 45 minutes from Lisbon. From Porto, the train journey will take 2 hours.

Buses to Fátima

Flixbus offers a bus service between Lisbon and Fátima or Porto to Fátima . It’s also great to visit Fátima when travelling between the two largest Portuguese cities, as it makes for an exciting break halfway through your journey. The trip from Lisbon or Porto to Fátima takes just over 2 hours.

An organised tour combining multiple cities

The other option to visit Fátima is with a (private) tour. Most day tours combine the trip to Fátima with other towns such as Nazaré, Óbidos, and Batalha. These tours make great day trips from Lisbon or Porto during your unforgettable time in Portugal.

Things to know before visiting Fátima, Portugal

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fátima is free to visit , and there are no opening hours . There are services you can attend, and you can check these online before your visit. The Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima is open daily from 6 AM until 8 PM . As you might expect, the most popular days to visit are the 13th of the month between May and October , the dates of the apparitions.

Hotels in Fátima

There are many hotels in Fátima, as shown on the map below. Especially during important events, hotels get booked up pretty quickly.

Other places in the area

A visit to Fátima is often combined with visits to other towns . For example, you can visit cities like Óbidos , Nazaré , Alcobaça , Buddha Eden , Batalha, and Tomar . Região Centro, or Central Portugal, has stunning beaches and nature reserves. Coimbra, Castelo Branco, and Leiria are also in this region.

A visit to Fátima is well worth it, even if you’re not religious. The city is easy to reach from both Lisbon and Porto, and there are many other places to visit in Central Portugal. This place will bring another dimension to your visit if you are religious. Make sure to attend a service, light a candle and discover the magic of Fátima.

Hi! I'm the founder and writer behind Discover Portugal. After travelling the world for over 25 years, I settled in Portugal in 2021. I work as a professional photographer and writer with over 10 years of experience. I write local guides about Lisbon (where I'm based) and the rest of Portugal to inspire you for your Portugal vacation.

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11 comments.

It was interesting to read about the story of Fatima and how the place came to be. Seems like a must visit that many would otherwise miss.

Interesting read and the photos are awesome. We will definitely add Portugal to our bucket list. Thanks for sharing!

The story is so interesting. I’d love to visit here some day.

I’ve always wanted to go there, that is very interesting. I learned some things from this post. Great read.

Your pictures are so stunning. Love that you shared a bit of history about Fatima, Portugal. Looks like a great place to visit and get immersed in its rich culture. Thanks for sharing.

Wow, that basilica is stunning!

Portugal is on my list for 2023!

What a fascinating history!

I LOVE Portugal. Definitely need to add this to the list for when I visit next, thanks for the inspiration!

just visited Fatima on the 27th june23 and the home of the 3 shepherds hers the Pope’s visiting in August i will visit again some day and regain my salinity hoping to put my life back on track. and yes felt peace and calm whilst there

That is so good to hear! I hope you have a lovely time. And yes, the Pope will be here soon. I expect Fatima will be pretty busy this summer!

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1-Day Fatima Itinerary

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• Fatima in 1 day
• 2-Day Fatima Itinerary
• 3-Day Fatima Itinerary
• 4-Day Fatima Itinerary

Table of contents

1-day itinerary, sanctuary of our lady of fátima.

Chapel of the Apparitions

Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima

Basilica of the most holy trinity, lucia's house, where to eat, santa luzia, restaurante bia, a charbonada.

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Popular road trips from Fatima

What's the weather like in fatima.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Fatima for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Fatima in January
• Weather in Fatima in February
• Weather in Fatima in March
• Weather in Fatima in April
• Weather in Fatima in May
• Weather in Fatima in June
• Weather in Fatima in July
• Weather in Fatima in August
• Weather in Fatima in September
• Weather in Fatima in October
• Weather in Fatima in November
• Weather in Fatima in December

All road trips from Fatima

• Fatima to Lisbon drive
• Fatima to Madrid drive
• Fatima to Barcelona drive
• Fatima to Porto drive
• Fatima to Paris drive
• Fatima to London drive
• Fatima to Seville drive
• Fatima to Rome drive
• Fatima to Amsterdam drive
• Fatima to Valencia drive
• Fatima to Granada drive
• Fatima to Florence drive
• Fatima to Cordoba drive
• Fatima to Berlin drive
• Fatima to Marrakech drive
• Fatima to Prague drive
• Fatima to Milan drive
• Fatima to Edinburgh drive
• Fatima to Venice drive
• Fatima to Dublin drive
• Fatima to Malaga drive
• Fatima to Vienna drive
• Fatima to Evora drive
• Fatima to Albufeira drive
• Fatima to Toledo drive
• Fatima to Brussels drive
• Fatima to Salamanca drive
• Fatima to Santiago de Compostela drive
• Fatima to Sintra drive

Explore nearby places

• Mira de Aire
• Porto de Mos
• Torres Novas
• Entroncamento
• Marinha Grande
• Vila Nova da Barquinha
• Ferreira do Zezere
• Sao Pedro de Moel
• Vieira de Leiria

All related maps of Fatima

• Map of Fatima
• Map of Sao Mamede
• Map of Ourem
• Map of Mira de Aire
• Map of Alvados
• Map of Minde
• Map of Porto de Mos
• Map of Batalha
• Map of Leiria
• Map of Alcanena
• Map of Maceira
• Map of Torres Novas
• Map of Milagres
• Map of Tomar
• Map of Entroncamento
• Map of Marinha Grande
• Map of Vila Nova da Barquinha
• Map of Alcanede
• Map of Alcobaca
• Map of Pataias
• Map of Golega
• Map of Alcobertas
• Map of Pombal
• Map of Alvaiazere
• Map of Constancia
• Map of Ferreira do Zezere
• Map of Sao Pedro de Moel
• Map of Vimeiro
• Map of Nazare
• Map of Chamusca
• Map of Vieira de Leiria

Fatima throughout the year

• Fatima in January
• Fatima in February
• Fatima in March
• Fatima in April
• Fatima in May
• Fatima in June
• Fatima in July
• Fatima in August
• Fatima in September
• Fatima in October
• Fatima in November
• Fatima in December

Looking for other day-by-day itineraries in Fatima?

Check out our other curated itineraries that are also filled with jam-packed days:

Day itineraries for nearby cities

• 1-Day Leiria Itinerary
• 1-Day Tomar Itinerary
• 1-Day Nazare Itinerary
• 1-Day Batalha Itinerary
• 1-Day Vila Nova da Barquinha Itinerary

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• Central Portugal

Only an exceptional event could transform Fátima , a small village in the countryside of Extremadura with no particular attraction, into a tourist destination capable of attracting more than six million visitors every year.

The event we are talking about is, of course, the famous apparition of the Virgin Mary in Fatima in 1917.

A century later, pilgrims from all over the world continue to come here to pay homage or ask for graces from the Holy Mother of God, making Fatima one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in the world.

The tourism industry has taken advantage of this great opportunity, developing a series of accommodation facilities designed to accommodate hundreds of pilgrims, as well as a long line of dubious souvenir shops such as Madonnas and glow-in-the-dark busts of the Pope.

In spite of itself, Fatima has become both the realm of the sacred and of kitsch. Follow your own inclination: listen to religious sentiments or indulge in the earthly pleasures of shopping.

Sanctuary of our lady of Fatima

Fatima would be an anonymous country city if it wasn’t for the Marian apparitions. The history has changed and today the  Sanctuary of Fatima  has become an unmissable stop on a tour around Central Portugal.

The Sanctuary includes several buildings, temples, and religious monuments within a complex named Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary and the Basilica of the Holy Trinity. Nearby there is the Chapel of the Apparitions, which symbolizes the  apparition of the Holy Mary  in front of the shepherds.

Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary

The  Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary , the most central and majestic buildings of the Sanctuary of Fatima, consists of a 65 meters high tower decorated by a 7000 kg bronze crown.

It was designed by the Dutch architect Gerardus Samuel van Krieken, who arrived to Porto towards the end of 1800 in order to teach art. He passed away before the consecration of the building.

Inside the basilica, over the main portico, there is a mosaic representing the Holy Trinity crowning Mary, which was blessed by Pope Pious XII, who was named the  Pope of Fatima .

Several events related to the  Marian apparitions of Fatima  are depicted in the stained glass windows in the basilica, while the 15 altars are dedicated to the 15 mysteries of the rosary. At the four corners of the basilica there are the statues of the four great apostles of the Rosary: Saint Anthony Mary Claret, Saint Dominic, Saint John Eudes, and Saint Stephen, King of Hungary.

Basilica of the Holy Trinity

The  Basilica of the Holy Trinity  is a church and a minor basilica built inside the Sanctuary of Fatima. It was consecrated in 1953, but it was clear since the beginning that its size was too small to host the huge flow of pilgrims coming to Fatima to honor the Lady.

For this reason, in 1974  Monsignor Luciano Guerra  proposed the construction of a new basilica. Works only began in 2004, when the Greek architect Alexandros Tombazis completed the project.

Since the end of construction works the Basilica of the Holy Trinity was designed as a  GECA , which in the Portuguese language means Grande Espaço Coberto para Assembleias (Great Covered Space for Assemblies), due to its majesty and its importance. Its modernist architecture is very peculiar, contrasting with the classical style of other churches around the area. For this reason it represents one of the most interesting monuments to see inside the Sanctuary of Fatima.

Chapel of the Apparitions

The  Chapel of the Apparitions  was built in 1920 at the exact location where the three shepherds have witnessed the apparition of the Holy Mary in 1917. According to the history, it was the Virgin to ask them to build a chapel in her honor.

Construction works were started by  Joaquim Barbeiro  in 1912 and the first mass was celebrated only two years later. On March 6th 1922, some anticlericals put a bomb inside the church; in spite of what happened the local community didn’t demoralize, and reconstruction works began a few months after the explosion.

Today the Chapel of Apparitions is the most important site of the Sanctuary of Fatima and it is visited by at least  5 million pilgrims every year .

Rua dos Valinhos

The Valinhos correspond to the road that Lúcia, Jacinta and Francisco followed from their homes in Aljustrel to Cova da Iria to graze their flocks. Two Marian apparitions took place here and they have now been transformed into a station on the Fatima Way of the Cross. It is a perfect place for prayer and introspection.

In the following map you can see the location of the main places of interest mentioned in this article

When to go to Fatima

The busiest days in Fatima are 13th May , the anniversary of the first apparition, and 13th October , the anniversary of the fifth and last apparition. Many pilgrims come to Fatima on foot, so they are already in Portugal in the days and weeks before the commemorations.

If you want a quieter visit, with fewer crowds, avoid the dates of the commemorations and the days immediately before or after.

Where to stay in Fatima

There are several accommodations in Fatima, around the Sanctuary: mainly hotels, but also flats and B&Bs for every need, from 5 star hotels with spa to budget accommodations.

Recommended hotels in Fatima

How to arrive to fatima from lisbon.

Religious tourists can reach Fatima from Lisbon by following the Caminho do Tejo , a walking path along country roads where there is very little traffic. The pilgrimage lasts about 5 days by walking an average of 20-30 km per day.

A much easier solution consists of taking one of the numerous buses living from Lisbon; it is possible to reach Fatima within one hour and a half. The sanctuary is located within walking distance from the bus station.

Another opportunity is to  rent a car .

Excursions and guided visits to Fatima

If you don’t want to visit the sanctuary on your own you can join a guided tour from Lisbon; choose the one you prefer.

Fatima Weather

What's the weather at Fatima? Below are the temperatures and the weather forecast at Fatima for the next few days.

Some more information: the appearance of the Lady

The history is well known. Two Portuguese little girls and a little boy were herding sheep and reported witnessing a big cloud in the sky from where appeared a woman dressed with white colors holding a rosary. The woman, who was identified as the Holy Lady, spoke to one of the girls.

It was the 13th of May of 1917 and the appearance took place in  Cova da Iria , Fatima. The woman told them to return on the 13th of every month until October. During the last appearance, a crowd of more than 70000 people witnessed the so called “miracle of the sun”; on a rainy day the clouds broke and the sun appeared as a spinning disc throwing rays to the earth.

It was only in 1930 that the Bishop of Leiria recognized the visions of the three shepherds and the worship of the  Lady of Fatima  became official.

Pope John II was the greatest devout to  Nossa Senhora de Fátima as well as its unintentional touristic promoter; he visited the Sanctuary on numerous occasions, including the famous visit of 1982 when he thanked the Lady for surviving his attempted assassination the previous year. It was Pope John II himself who asked to add the bullet to the crown of the statue of the Holy Lady.

In 2000 John Paul II announced the beatification of the three shepherds who were recognized as the authors of a miraculous care.

Despite there are still many mysteries connected to the  marian apparitions  and scientists are still skeptical about this topic, the belief is very much alive and the tourism around this area is always increasing.

Did you know…

• Besides the basilica itself, there are ten chapels representing the life of Jesus. The Chapel of the Apparition is open towards all directions in order for pilgrims to receive the holy communion at the exactly same location where the Holy Mary appeared.
• It is very interesting to notice how church candles are lit at this sanctuary; they are thrown inside a big body-shaped brazier.
• The major flux of pilgrims takes place every year during the nights of 12 and 13th of May and 12 and 13 of October in order to celebrate the apparitions.

Where is located Fatima

Location around.

• Airport transfers
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The Top 8 Things to See and Do in Fátima, Portugal

Venture north from cosmopolitan Lisbon and in just over an hour’s time, you’ll be surrounded by Portugal’s traditional Centro region. In the midst of mountainous natural parks, sleepy villages speckled with stone homes, and massive buzz-worthy beaches is where you’ll find Fátima, a bucket-list destination for Catholics and the place where one of Portugal’s most famous legends was born.

1. stand awe-struck in the middle of the sanctuary of fátima.

Cathedral, Church, Shrine

As the story goes, 101 years ago in 1917, the Virgin Mary appeared to three children who were tending sheep in the fields, and she shared special messages with them. Months later in October, a crowd of tens of thousands who heard the children’s stories visited the location and witnessed a great “Miracle of the Sun” where different people reported various sightings including “seeing the sun dance.” It’s hard to believe that this grassy field is now where you will find the Sanctuary of Fátima , a massive, jaw-dropping religious complex that draws large crowds daily, consisting of religious followers and curious travelers. It is also the bucket-list destination for pilgrims journeying through Portugal. Walk around the square to see the chapel and Basilica, light a candle and say a prayer if you’re so inclined, and appreciate this massive architectural feat in the middle of rural Portugal.

2. Visit the original site at the Capela das Aparições

Church, Shrine

The story of the apparitions gained such a following of believers that a mere two years later, in 1919, this chapel was built, becoming the first in the Sanctuary. It has been rebuilt since, and the elongated roof adds shade to weary visitors visiting during hot summer days. Named the Chapel of the Apparitions in English, it is located on the site where the Virgin Mary appeared.

3. Seek out the peacefulness of Basílica de Nossa Senhora do Rosário

Shrine, Church

Built in Baroque revival style, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary will earn the appreciation of history- and architecture-lovers as much as religious followers. Construction first began about ten years after the apparitions, and the church was named by Pope Pius XII in 1953. Aside from the stunning architecture and décor, the peacefulness of the church is one of its standout features, especially when compared to outside, where crowds mill about. The Basilica is where you will find the tombs of the Fátima’s famous “three children” (the younger two passed away from Spanish influenza shortly after the spiritual sightings, but the eldest child lived until she was 97 and passed away in 2005).

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5. See the house of Lúcia de Jesus dos Santos

The family home of Lúcia, who lived to become a revered nun, is a short two-minute walk from the home of her cousins. Her religious name was Sister Maria Lúcia of Jesus and of the Immaculate Heart, and the canonization process is underway to classify her as a saint. Realizing what life must have been like for a family of eight living in the house may surprise you, and the houses are located a short two kilometers from the Sanctuary of Fátima.

6. Head underground to the Gruta de Moinhos Velhos

Natural Feature

Not everything around Fátima is religious, and nature-lovers will appreciate the natural gems in the area as well. If you’re neither claustrophobic nor afraid of the dark, go for a walk underground to see magnificent rock formations. They may seem slightly ominous, but these caves also have breathtaking and colorful lights that further enhance each corner as well as stalactites and stalagmites. The first men to descend into these depths in the 1940s used a rope, but stairs will safely guide you today.

7. Snap photos of dinosaur footprints at the Serra de Aire

Archaeological site, Natural Feature

How many times can you say you’ve seen dinosaur footprints in person? You can in Portugal after making a short detour south from Fátima to the Serra de Aire mountain range. The Natural Monument of Dinosaur Footprints is home to the oldest sauropod prints in the world stemming from the Jurassic Period. Why not pair this unique experience with a hike through the Serra de Aire natural park afterward?

8. Enjoy a delicious meal at Tia Alice Restaurant

Restaurant, Portuguese

After a fun but long day of exploring Fátima and the surrounding area, settle in for a delicious and traditional meal at the Michelin Guide-listed restaurant named Tia Alice (Aunt Alice). Open since 1988, it is reputed to be one of the best restaurants in the area. Although it’s pricier than typical Portuguese restaurants, you can enjoy local recipes with a home-cooked feel from inside rustic rocky walls that may remind you of dining inside a well-decorated wine cellar.

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Places to Stay

The best hotels in fátima, portugal, for every traveller.

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Why You Should Visit Fátima, Portugal's Holy City

By Chadner Navarro

One hundred years ago, the sleepy agricultural town of Fátima in Portugal’s Centro region skyrocketed to international renown when three children reported seeing an apparition of Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ. Since then, Fátima has become a wildly popular destination for religious-based tourism. Even Pope Francis recently visited for the centennial of the miracle, where he canonized two of the children as Catholic saints. But even if you missed His Holiness's visit, there are plenty of other celebratory events scheduled through October, including exhibitions and concerts. Even if you are not planning on visiting to commemorate the centennial, Fátima and the surrounding towns can provide a laid-back antidote to Lisbon while still offering much to the traveler looking for culture and natural splendor. Here, we tell you what to do in Fátima and the surrounding areas, even if you're a non-believer.

For the devout and curious alike, there are a number of ways to commemorate Fátima’s centennial, including a contemplative walk to the village of Valinhos where one of the apparitions occurred, or by joining a candlelit vigil at the Sanctuary of Fátima in the city center. As a tourism destination, Fátima’s most popular sights are related to the apparitions, but other nearby towns offer more secular attractions. There are plenty of cultural points of interest in this part of Portugal including the Monastery of Batalha , a 16th-century masterpiece that blends Gothic and Manueline architectural styles.

Over in Tomar, a scenic 25-mile drive from Fátima, the Convent of Christ is one of the country’s most visited attractions thanks to its history: Founded by the mysterious Knights Templar order in the 12th century, the well-preserved complex includes a castle, a convent, a church with ornate Gothic sculptures, and cloisters leafy with fragrant orange trees.

This central pocket of Portugal is also packed with natural wonders. About six miles from Fátima is the Serra de Aire national park, which is home to the world’s largest collection of sauropod dinosaur footprints. (You are also encouraged to leave behind your own, as the park is host to hiking trails of various difficulty.) And because the Centro region can get awfully hot during the summer—temperatures can hover around 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the day—a visit to Praia Fluvial do Agroal, a nearby river beach, offers a nice reprieve.

Where to stay

A lot of the hotels in the center of Fátima are spartan in terms of design and amenities, perhaps owing to a history of catering mostly to pilgrims. Instead, hide away at Luz Houses , a hotel whose style blends seamlessly with the region’s natural beauty, tucked away as it is in a remote area surrounded by small mountains and dense forests. The entire hotel is meant to replicate a small village with several terra cotta structures housing guest rooms and a main building for the reception and dining room. Everything here is supremely Instagrammable : from the white-washed booths in the restaurant to a spa treatment room built into a small hill. To recognize the area’s mystical reputation, there’s a small non-denominational hermitage where you can pray or meditate.

Where to eat

The slightly upscale Tia Alice is one of the culinary icons of Fátima thanks to a kitchen that focuses on hearty homemade meals including a cod gratin with shrimp and a slow-roasted veal. About five miles outside town, the more modest restaurant at Pousada de Ourém focuses on both national and regional dishes—think black sausage rice topped with a baked apple and creamy goat cheese croquettes drizzled with homemade pumpkin jam.

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The Catholic Travel Guide

Fatima, Portugal: Our Lady of Fatima Shrine

About the apparitions at fatima:.

In the spring of 1916 , three children took their parents sheep to a pasture in a place not far from the mountain village of Fatima, Portugal.  Their names were Lucia dos Santos (age 9) and her younger cousins Jacinta and Francisco Marto (ages 6 & 8, respectively).

They saw a bright light in a cave nearby and a beautiful young man in white garments appeared to the children and announced “ fear not, I am the angel of peace…pray with me “.  He gave them what became known as the Fatima Prayer.

The following year, on May 13th, 1917   while the children were once again pasturing the flock, this time in Cova da Iria, about a mile from their homes, when a lovely lady appeared to them.  After telling the children not to be frightened, she said “ I have come from heaven ” and told them she wanted them to come to that same place on the same hour on the 13th day of each month until October.

Our Lady continued to appear to the children each month between May and October with messages of great importance for the world and the events to follow, which were to have major consequences and lead many people to Jesus Christ.

The Blessed Mother asked that the children pray the rosary daily, and said that through the rosary wars could be prevented. At that time many men from Portugal were involved in the fighting of World War I.

Fatima involved three secrets:

1. The First Secret:  On July 13, 1917 the visionaries were given horrific visions of hell which lasted only a minute. Our Lady showed the visionaries a great sea of fire that they said “ seemed to be under the earth. Plunged in this fire were demons and souls in human form, like transparent burning embers, amid shrieks and groans of pain and despair, which horrified us and made us tremble with fear ”.

According to the visionaries, the Blessed Mother looked at them sadly and said: “ You have seen hell where the souls of poor sinners go. To save them, God wishes to establish in the world devotion to my Immaculate Heart. If what I say to you is done, many souls will be saved and there will be peace “.

Our Lady went on to say: “ To prevent this, I shall come to ask for the consecration of Russia to my Immaculate Heart and the Communion of reparation on the First Saturdays. If my requests are heeded, Russia will be converted, and there will be peace; if not, she will spread her errors throughout the world, causing wars and persecutions of The Church. The good will be martyred; the Holy Father will have much to suffer; various nations will be annihilated ”.

In that same year, 1917, the communists took over Russia and unleashed a 70 year reign of terror .

Our Lady had gone on to say: “In the end, my Immaculate Heart will triumph. The Holy Father will consecrate Russia to me, and she shall be converted, and a period of peace will be granted to the world”.

2.  The Second Secret:   “ The war is going to end (meaning World War I) , but if people do not stop offending God, a worse one will break out during the pontificate of Pope Pius XI “.

“When you see a night illuminated by an unknown light , know that this is the great sign given you by God that He is about to punish the world for its crimes, by means of war, famine, and persecutions of the Church and the Holy Father”.

Then on the nights of January 25 & 26, 1938, the sky across Europe was illuminated with a red light , perhaps the strongest Aurora Borealis ever known to mankind. On February 4, 1938.. one week later ….Hitler promoted himself to military chief in Germany and on March 12, 1938, German troops marched into Austria to annex the German-speaking nation, effectively ushering in the start of World War II, even though it was not officially declared until September 1939.

3. The Third Secret was the subject of much mystery and even a few conspiracy theories. The third secret was not initially revealed by Lucia. She said that Mary had not yet permitted her to reveal it to the world. In October the Bishop ordered her to put it in writing, which she did, and sealed it in an envelope not to be opened until 1960 , when “it will appear clearer”.[The text of the third secret was officially released by Pope John Paul II in 2000.  It was interpreted by The Church to be symbolic in nature and referred to the assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II on May 13, 1981……the anniversary date of the first reported Fatima vision. The Pope had just bent down to hug a little girl wearing a Lady of Fatima emblem when the assailant fired, and the bullets struck him in the abdomen rather than the head as planned. John Paul II credited Our Lady of Fatima with saving his life.

The miracle of the sun in Fatima:

On October 13, 1917 about 70,000 people had gathered on the hillside at the Cova da Iria. Beginning the night before and throughout most of the morning a cold rain fell thoroughly drenching the crowd. The ground was muddy and had soaked everything. At the time when Our Lady was due to arrive, Lucy asked those assembled to close their umbrellas, which they did. Our Lady appeared and told Lucy: “ I want to tell you that a chapel is to be built here in my honor . I am the Lady of the Rosary . May you continue to pray the Rosary every day. The war is going to end and the soldiers will soon return to their homes “.

In 1918 on the 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour, the armistice was signed ending the “Great War”.

As Our Lady ascended, the sky suddenly cleared and the sun danced. The people were able to look directly at the sun without it bothering their eyes at all. The event was reported in the newspaper at the time as you can see from the photo below.

A physician who was present, Dr. Almeida Garrett, testified: “ Suddenly I heard the uproar of thousands of voices, and I saw the whole multitude spread out in that vast space at my feet…I turned around too, toward the point commanding their gaze, and I could see the sun, like a very clear disc, with its sharp edge, which gleamed without hurting the sight or damaging the retina ”.

The great miracle of the sun lasted about 10 minutes, but the results of this miracle continue today, as Fatima draws millions of pilgrims from around the world every year, and had even more in 2017….the 100th anniversary of the apparitions. Interestingly enough, the three visionaries did not see the miracle of the sun . They saw a completely different event…an apparition of our lady.

Sister Lucia explained in her memoirs:  “After our Lady had disappeared into the immense distance of the firmament, we beheld St. Joseph with the Child Jesus and Our Lady robed in white with a blue mantle, beside the sun. St. Joseph and the Child Jesus seemed to bless the world, for they traced the Sign of the Cross with their hands. When, a little later, this apparition disappeared, I saw Our Lord and Our Lady; it seemed to me to that it was Our Lady of Sorrows (Dolors). Our Lord appeared to bless the world in the same manner as St. Joseph had done. This apparition also vanished, and I saw Our Lady once more, this time resembling Our Lady of Carmel.”  Interestingly, Sister Lucia went on to join the Carmelite Order.

This vision was only seen by the children, while the crowd was witnessing the sun “dance.”

It is believed that the “dancing sun” was meant to inspire belief in the unbelieving crowd, while Our Lady had a different message for the visionaries.

For example, Sr. Lucia saw Our Lady of Mt. Carmel to prepare the way for her entrance into a Carmelite monastery when she was older.

The newspaper article shown to the left was actually an anti-Catholic paper , and yet they published the events.

The fate of the children:

Francisco and Jacinta both died young, as prophesied by Our Lady: she had told them they would be taken to Heaven early. Francisco died at age 10 and Jacinta at age 9.    Francisco and Jacinta were canonized Saints by Pope Francis on May 13th, 2017, the 100th anniversary of the first apparition, and their feast day is February 20th .

Lucia went on to become a Discalced Carmelite nun (taking the name Sister Maria Lucia of Jesus and of the Immaculate Heart).  She lived at the convent in Monastery of Santa Clara in Coimbra, Portugal ( about 53 miles north of Fatima).  If you can, try to include this in your trip ….there is a small museum detailing the life of Sister Lucia.  She had been blind and deaf ,and ailing for some years, when she died on February 13, 2017.  Sister Lucia was accorded the title Servant of God , as the first major step toward her canonization.

About the Shrine at Fatima:

Your visit to the Shrine in Fatima.

In addition to Masses held throughout the da y there are Stations of the Cross , daily processions , Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and much more at what is considered by many to be the most important Marian shrine of the 20th Century.

♦  The Chapel of Apparitions (Portuguese: Capelinha das Aparições): We like to start our visits here…it is the exact spot of the apparitions, marked by a marble pillar and enclosed case, with the image of the Virgin Mary.  It is covered by the small structure you can see on the left side of the photo above. Pilgrim groups often celebrate Mass here.

♦  The Big Holmoak: the tree under which the children and the early pilgrims sat and prayed the Rosary as they awaited Our Lady’s appearance.  It is right behind the Chapel of the Apparitions.

♦  The Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary:  the focal part of the Fatima shrine, this Basilica was constructed in the Baroque Revival Style, features Stained glass windows that depict the events of the apparitions.  There are 14 side altars within the church, each one dedicated to one of the fourteen mysteries of the Rosary and represented in bronze, Bas-reliefs. The 15th mystery is represented in the vault of the presbytery and is a high-relief by Maximiano Alves.

     The Basilica houses the tombs of Saints Francisco and Jacinta.  Upon her death in 2005, Sister Lucia’s body was also entombed here.

♦  The Perpetual Adoration Chapel:    located at the end of the collonade of the Basilica of the Rosary.

♦  The Basilica of the Holy Trinity:   constructed in 2007,  it is across from the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary and contains five chapels, 16 confessionals and a cafeteria. It will help to accommodate the millions of people who visit here each year.

♦  House of Our Lady of Dolours (Our Lady of Sorrows): Located next to The Chapel of Apparitions, it is destined to receive the sick during the great pilgrimages, and also is also used for retreats and accommodation for pilgrims.

♦  The childhood homes of the visionaries:  in nearby Aljustrel, they remain much as they were in 1917.  The bedrooms of the young visionaries remain  much as they were at the times of their deaths.  Relatives of the visionaries are still seen around in the village, as the photos below show.

♦  A portion of the Berlin Wall:   at the entrance of the Sanctuary, on the south side of the Rectory,  a testament to the fall of Communism and the triumph of Our Lady.

Devout pilgrims can often be seen on their knees approaching the shrine, as seen in the photos below.

Check out the new book “Fatima Mysteries” from Ignatius Press

Traveling to Fatima:

There are many Catholic tour groups to Fatima each year. If you are traveling independently, Fatima is located about 70 miles north of Lisbon, and you can go by car or train.. If you plan to go by train, trains leave from Oriente station in Lisbon and take about one hour to Caxarias, the nearest station From there, shuttle buses connect to Fatima.

There are many hotels ranging from basic accommodations to luxury. T he Feast Day ( May 13 ) naturally tends to be crowded so you need to plan well in advance.

GPS coordinates: 39° 37′ 50.1168” N, 8° 40′ 22.8684” W

Tel:    (+351) 249 – 539 600                 Fax:    (+351) 249 – 539 605

e-mail:         [email protected] 

Click here for the official website of the Fatima Shrine in Portugal.

When visiting Fatima you might also want to consider a visit to the Eucharistic Miracle in Santarem , about 30 miles from Fatima.  It is included in many tours, but can be an easy day trip from Fatima.

Live in the U.S. or Canada but can’t make it to Portugal? If you live in the U.S.A., consider visiting the National Fatima Shrine in New York State.

Find restaurants, hotels and B&B’s in Fatima, compare prices, and read what other travelers have to say at TripAdvisor

⇐ Back to Catholic shrines and places of interest in Portugal

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Visiting Fatima and Central Portugal

Central Portugal, including Fatima and Tomar, is a unique area that most visitors skip in favor of the cities or the ever popular Algarve.  However, you’d be mistaken to overlook it.  So much of this area is steeped in Portuguese tradition and culture.  

Fatima is a great base for sightseeing in central Portugal.  We stayed here for three nights during our road trip through central Portugal .  While visiting Fatima itself can easily be done in one day, the surrounding areas offer a multitude of great day trip options- including our favorite, Tomar.

Make sure to check out our post dedicated to all things Sintra . It will help you to plan your visit to the beautiful hilltop castle town.

Where to Stay in Central Portugal

The Luz Charming Houses were honestly our main draw to the area.  We knew we wanted to stay somewhere between Sintra and Coimbra, but had a difficult time making a decision.  

Ultimately, we decided on Fatima after finding the Luz Houses .  Their unique accommodations were exactly what we were looking for and centrally located to several sights we had pegged. Apparently, we can easily be swayed by a cool hotel.  

Luz Houses are located just three minutes outside of downtown Fatima, but it feels like another world.  Surrounded by trees, the bright orange buildings on the property lend a quirky vibe to the serene landscape.

Designed to look like a small village, each building pays homage to traditional Portuguese architecture in the 19th and 20th centuries.  Inside each room, the simple, white walls are juxtaposed by earthy touches like bamboo and images of straw.  The atmosphere here is cheery, yet relaxing.  

The main house, where breakfast and dinner are served, contains the reception area.  The staff here are very friendly and helpful, answering any questions you may have.  The common area has a fireplace, a few games, and an honesty bar stocked with coffee, teas, beer, wine, and a few liquors.

The breakfast is varied and plentiful, with the usual European suspects of locally cured meats and cheeses, fruit, and pastries.  You can request eggs, pancakes and a few other options too.  They also have a small dinner selection, should you choose to stay in for dinner.  

The onsite pool and lounge area is only steps from the three buildings that comprise the rooms.  There is a small onsite spa, which, sadly, we did not try.  Looking back, I really wish we would have.  

We planned to stay three nights, hoping to sightsee in the mornings and spend the afternoons by the pool.  In reality, we only had one afternoon laying poolside due to the weather.  

Fatima is much higher in the mountains than we realized.  Apparently, this area commonly holds the morning clouds that roll in.  During our visit in July, the clouds never really burned off, leaving the days overcast and chilly. Obviously, this is no fault of the hotel, but you might consider this when making plans.  It wasn’t exactly “hot” like we expected of Portugal.  

Where to Eat in Fatima

We only had two meals out in Fatima, both of which were both amazing. I’m sure there are other great restaurants, but these were both local spots with only a few tourists.  The food was delicious, service was good, and both were so well priced.  

Fado’s Lantern :  Located about seven minutes from Fatima, this cozy restaurant is amazing.  We went here hoping to hear Fado, traditional Portuguese music, but ended up going on the wrong night.  Regardless, the food was delicious.  

While Fado’s Lantern did have a menu in English, the translation left a lot to the imagination.  We finally just asked the waitress to help us narrow down our options.  We ordered the lamb in the oven, which came with a side of rice, and wild boar.  The boar, cooked with spices, chestnuts and onion, was served with a red onion and orange salad.  This meal was one of our favorites in Portugal!

They speak limited English here.  It wasn’t a problem at all, as the waitress knew enough to help us.  You can probably email them or have your hotel call ahead to check on the nights they are offering Fado if you’re interested. I do think it would’ve been an awesome place to see it, as it seems to be a place where many locals go.  

O Crispim :  Another great traditional restaurant.  It looks like nothing has changed in the 45 years they’ve been in business, which makes it that much better.  

We were seated in a cozy room with about six other tables.  Again, very little English was spoken here.  However, with an English menu and some hand gestures, we were able to easily order.  

We decided to try the house wine, which came out in a wooden jug!  I’m not kidding.  This thing was massive.  I bet it held the contents of two normal bottles of wine!   David got the spare ribs “friginada”- meaning they were served with a white garlic marinade and fried in a clay pan.  They were mouthwatering. 

I got the “Lagareiro” codfish with potatoes and a stuffing on the side.  I’m not sure exactly what the translation was on that, but it was the best cod I had of the entire trip.  

Headed to Porto on your journey? Make sure to check out our post on all things Porto

Things to do in Central Portugal near Fatima

Visit the batalha monastery.

Located in Leiria, about 30 minutes from Fatima, its name literally translates to Monastery of the Battle.  It was built as a thank you to the Virgin Mary as a thank you for delivering Portugal from the hands of the Castilians in 1385, with construction taking over 100 years.  

Many Portuguese royals from the 15th century are buried here at the Batalha Monastery .  The famous Capelas Imperfeitas (Unfinished Chapels) were started in 1437, but as funds started being funneled to other projects they were left unfinished.  

When we visited there were no maps, and we didn’t see an option for a audio guided tour.  There also were very few placards, all of which were in Portuguese.  All that said, we didn’t have much context for what we were seeing.  

While an amazing architectural display, we didn’t love it here due to the lack of information.  If you find an option for a guided tour, I would definitely consider, as it would really add to the visit.  Otherwise, only plan to spend about an hour. 

Tour the Gruta de Mira de Aire  

This impressive cave was discovered in 1947 and continue down for 180 meters (about 590 feet)- making it the largest in Portugal.  The guided tour lasts about 60 minutes, starting with a quick video in Portuguese (with English subtitles) and continuing through the cave.

The guide goes through how the cave was formed, how and when it was discovered, and makes sure to answer any questions.  This would be an easy tour with kids (interesting and safety guard rails where needed). We’ve done several cave tours around the world, and this may have been the most impressive so far. 

Visit Rua da Pia do Urso

This adorable little village has been historically preserved.  There isn’t much “to do” here besides enjoy the simple architecture.  There is a great little trail built for kids with interactive games and play areas.  They also have picnic tables if you want, but I’d opt for the restaurant.  Definitely plan to stop here if your kids are tagging along.  

There are two restaurants, only one of which was open when we were there.  Restaurante Piadussa, the one that was open, was fantastic.  We had the most amazing bacon wrapped filet with house wine, bread and cheese, a dessert and an espresso each for 20 euro!  

They didn’t speak much English, but like everywhere else they have an English menu and we managed with a few hand signals and google translate.  

Visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady Fatima and The Basilica of the Holy Trinity

These famous churches share a common plaza so they are easy to visit together.  You will see several people finishing the pilgrimage through Spain and Portugal.  Unless you are a devout Catholic, I’d only plan to spend about an hour total between the two.  For more information on the two and the history of Fatima’s fame, check out this article .

Visit the Moeda Grottos

This is an alternative to the Gruta de Mira de Aire.  From what we could tell, this isn’t quite as large, but make sure to visit both if you really like caves or if you would rather stay closer to Fatima due to time constraints.   Be sure to check their site for more information.

Visit Talasnal  

This historically preserved town of Talasnal is everything you imagine of an early mountain town, beautiful little houses stacked side by side overlooking the valley below.  You can stay in this area in various rentals. This is a popular area for hiking, so if you can, plan to stay a night or two and hike to the various villages.   For more info on Talasnal and other schist villages, you can visit this site .

Take a Day trip to Tomar

Tomar was our favorite village in central Portugal. There are lots of beautiful sights, cute little streets, and some great restaurants.

You could easily spend the better part of a day in Tomar, the highlight being the Convent of Christ .  Since it is the most popular attraction, I would start my day here to avoid any crowds.

The original fortified walls were a stronghold for the Knights Templar built in the 12th century, providing protection from the Moors.  Inside there was a castle, a church, a nave, and several cloisters that housed the monks.    The church with its famous round walls, was truly fascinating.  

The architecture and beautiful carvings and paintings rival those in any of the famous churches in Europe.  This was our favorite place we visited in the Fatima area.  It is a must do.  

Things to know About the Convent of Christ

• There is parking at the top near the entrance.  We arrived about an hour after opening during our July trip.  We immediately parked at the bottom and walked up thinking parking would be limited.  While the lot is small, the lot was nowhere near full.  If you don’t want to walk, I’d definitely try the lot at the top.  However, the walk uphill was gradual and treelined, so we enjoyed it.  
• There is a cafe near the entrance for any snacks or drinks you may need.  
• There are often free tours given by local high school students.  We opted for one of these, and it made the biggest difference.  We learned so much, and it truly helped to provide the context needed to appreciate the Convent Christ.  
• Make sure to grab a map if you don’t do the guided tour.  The maze of chapels, room, hallways, and cloisters can get confusing.  
• If you plan on visiting the Bahlata Monastery and/or the Alcobaça Monastery then make sure to buy the combo ticket, which will save you a few euros.  
• Make sure to take any pictures you want as you go, because you exit through a different area.  You can walk the grounds and castle walls before going in.  

After leaving the Convent Christ, walk to Restaurante Beira Rio for lunch. This place was packed, and for good reason.  We weren’t able to snag a table on the patio, but luckily we were able to get one inside.  We split a delicious steak with fries and salad.  

After lunch, spend a couple of hours walking and seeing all the sights of Tomar.  You can find maps at the Convent Christ and in a few places around town.  Visit the various chapels and museums, including the Synagogue , the Old Bridge , and the Church of São Joã Baptista .   Once you’re ready to leave Tomar, make your way to Almoroul Castle . This is a quick stop located about 25 minutes outside of Tomar on the way back to Fatima.  A simple castle located on a river island, the visit only takes about thirty minutes. 

When the water is low, you can walk across the rocks.  Otherwise, if the water levels are up too high, you can wait on a boat to take you over.  

Things to Know about Tomar

• Tomar is hot!  Make sure to dress appropriately.  It was 8°C hotter in Tomar than at our hotel in Fatima (that’s a difference of 46°F!)
• Most places take credit/debit cards, but make sure to keep change for parking meters.

I hope you enjoy Fatima, Tomar, and the rest of Central Portugal as much as we did. It truly gave us so much insight into Portuguese tradition and allowed us to see this beautiful part of the country. For more information on our trip, check out our post on our ten day trip through Portugal .

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Fatima Tours & Trips

Find the right tour for you through Fatima. We've got 251 adventures going to Fatima, starting from just 3 days in length, and the longest tour is 26 days. The most popular month to go is June, which has the largest number of tour departures.

250+ Fatima tour packages with 6,558 reviews

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Wonders of Portugal

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Tour was fantastic, Livingtours tour organisers are very professional and very knowledgeable tour guides & highly professional staff. I thoroughly enjoyed my trip and would highly recommended Living tours for travel enthusiastics out there.

Lisbon and Fatima City Adventure

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

5 Day Lisbon including visit to Fatima, Nazare, Sintra, Cabo da Roca, Cascais & Estoril.

• Coach / Bus

Best of Portugal (11 Days)

Very well planned and executed. Ruiz and Sergio were great. We will be back.

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Northern Portugal Discovery

Our guide, Christina was wonderful. She was very knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful it made the trip extra special. Our driver, Fernando was a very good driver making us feel very safe in the crazy traffic. He is very polite and helpful also. The two felt like family and we feel grateful to have meet them and made two new friends. Best guide and driver! ❤️

Iberian Capitals

Excellent. The tour was worth more than what I paid. Europomundo came thru in every aspect

Picturesque Portugal (End Lisbon, 7 Days)

Too little time spent on optional excursions. Hotels okay. City tours only from bus. Little walking tour of Lisbon and Porto. Stayed in Lisbon xtra day to explore and walk. Optional farewell dinner overpriced. Whole tour overpriced.

5 Days Lisbon and Fatima City.

Iberian Explorer (13 Days)

The overall experience was good. It would be better if the stays in the cities/ towns could be 3 nights and 2 nights respectively.

Highlights of Spain and Portugal

The overall expirience was awesome. I already recommended your company to many of my people for I worked 25 years in the turism industry and was a President Sales Executive for the Marriott Vacation Club Int. andnow I'm a policy Advisor for the Government of my country.By the way Thomas was A#1. The only thing that I was very disappointed in was the internet on the bus was to cry for . No internet 90% of the time. I hope you will have this in consideration for I'm planning a trip for next year and expect some kind of consideration. Thanking you in advance . I remain. Thanya Croes +2975932999

North of Portugal

I would have enjoyed it much more had we visited less churches and more actual cities and castles

From Santiago to Lisbon

Overall we enjoyed the tour very much. The two guides, Patricia and Ofelia were excellent. Although we had little common language with the rest of the group, everyone was very kind and helpful. It was a pity that there was no English language commentary in the catamaran trip. We had, after all, paid the same fee. The food and table service at Santiago were very poor. As we have just said, the overall experience was very enjoyable.

Charming Portugal

Lisbon, Oporto and Fatima

Trip was good but would prefer more central hotels even though they were nice hotel’s and more English speaking guide , although Carmen did well!

What people love about Fatima Tours

A wonderful Tour Will definitely book again

Tour was fantastic, Livingtours tour organisers are very professional and very knowledgeable tour guides & highly professional staff. I thoroughly enjoyed my trip and would highly recommended Living tours for travel enthusiastics out there.

The tour director and driver were excellent but the program could have been better managed. The program priority was on optional trips and included items in the itinerary were brushed over. The two major cities , Lisbon and Porto portion were not done justice to. Just an orientation in the bus did not do justice to the town's. Instead of the winnery tour a historical places tour would have been better. Lisbon also, except for half a monastery ( without the chapel) what did we see? Thankfully we spent extra days in Lisbon ans explored the city. The other towns were

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Portugal’s Catholic Church to compensate sexual abuse victims

FATIMA, Portugal – Portugal’s Roman Catholic Church said on April 11 it will financially compensate victims of child sexual abuse within the Church, setting the amounts to be paid on a case-by-case basis, an approach survivors’ groups have criticised.

Members of Portugal’s Bishops’ Conference (CEP) have been meeting since April 8 at the Shrine of Fatima in central Portugal to discuss the compensation, among other issues.

A report in February 2023 by a church-funded Portuguese commission found that at least 4,815 minors had been sexually abused by clergy – mostly priests – over seven decades.

The report’s authors said their findings were the “tip of the iceberg”, and Dr Pedro Strecht, the commission head, added that more than 100 priests suspected of child sexual abuse remained active in church roles.

The following month, the Church announced a handful of steps to tackle child sexual abuse, but it was heavily criticised for not adopting tougher measures.

Bishop Jose Ornelas, the CEP head, said the organisation’s assembly unanimously approved the granting of compensation, with requests to be filed from June to December 2024. Twenty-one people have already requested compensation.

A committee will then determine the amount to be given to each victim and a newly created CEP fund will be used to make the payments, Bishop Ornelas said.

The criteria for deciding the amounts are still being worked on, Bishop Ornelas said, explaining that no maximum amount has been set and the gravity of cases would be taken into consideration.

Mr Antonio Grosso, co-founder of church sexual abuse survivors’ group Coracao Silenciado (Silenced Heart), pointed a finger at CEP’s case-by-case approach.

“I don’t know what measuring tape they will use to evaluate people’s suffering, people who will have to tell their stories again to see if they deserve more or less cents,” he told Reuters, arguing that all victims should receive the same compensation.

Mr Grosso also said CEP should be proactive and reach out to the victims directly instead of waiting for them to request compensation.

“By waiting for requests, CEP is showing a passive attitude,” he said. “We are not beggars.”

Sexual abuse scandals have rocked the Roman Catholic Church in a number of other countries, including the US, Ireland and France.

In Portugal’s neighbour, Spain, the Church said in November 2023 that it would compensate victims of sexual abuse even in cases that have not been concluded because the offending priest has died, in a shift from its previous position on the matter.

Bishop Ornelas said compensation would also be given to Portuguese victims accusing priests who are now dead. REUTERS

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