Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima Guide
A Place of Pilgrimage: Discover the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima Guide
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima is one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world. Located in Fatima, Portugal, it commemorates the apparitions of the Virgin Mary to three shepherd children in 1917. Millions of pilgrims visit each year to pray, reflect, and seek solace in this sacred space. The Sanctuary is a complex of religious buildings and monuments, offering a profound spiritual experience. The history of the Sanctuary began in 1917 when the Virgin Mary appeared to Lucia dos Santos and her cousins, Francisco and Jacinta Marto, on six occasions between May and October. The apparitions included messages of prayer, penance, and peace. The site quickly became a place of pilgrimage, and in the years that followed, the Sanctuary was built to accommodate the growing number of visitors. Key structures include the Chapel of Apparitions, built on the exact spot of the apparitions; the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, a neo-Baroque church; and the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, a modern church completed in 2007. Visitors to the Sanctuary can attend Mass, pray in the Chapel of Apparitions, walk the vast esplanade, visit the tombs of Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta in the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, and light candles as offerings. The Sanctuary also hosts various religious events and celebrations throughout the year. While the Sanctuary itself doesn't have restaurants, the surrounding town of Fatima offers a wide variety of dining options, including traditional Portuguese cuisine such as *cozido à portuguesa* (a meat stew) and *arroz de marisco* (seafood rice).
Transportation
Fatima is well-connected by bus to major cities in Portugal. From the Fatima bus station, the Sanctuary is a short walk. Taxis are also readily available. During peak pilgrimage times, special bus services may operate to and from the Sanctuary.