Located 142 km (88 miles) north of Lisbon, Fatima is one of the most important shrines in the world dedicated to the Virgin Mary, welcoming millions of pilgrims and tourists from across the globe.

The fame of this sacred place stems from the Apparitions of Our Lady of the Rosary to three shepherd children - Lucia and her cousins Francisco and Jacinta - who witnessed successive apparitions between May and October 1917. The final apparition on October 13th was confirmed by a miracle witnessed by 70,000 people "on the day the sun danced".

Chapel of Apparitions

The very heart of the Sanctuary and the first edifice constructed in the Cova da Iria, at the place of Our Lady's Apparitions. The exact spot is marked by a marble pillar on which the Statue of Our Lady is placed. Here converge the four million pilgrims who visit the Sanctuary each year.

Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary

Begun in 1928 and consecrated on 7 October 1953, the Basilica features 15 altars dedicated to the 15 mysteries of the Rosary. The painting above the high altar depicts the Message of Our Lady to the little shepherds, prepared by the Angel of Portugal.

The figures depicted include Pope Pius XII (who consecrated the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary in 1942), Pope John XXIII, and Pope Paul VI. Scenes of the apparitions are represented in stained glass, along with invocations from the Litany of Our Lady.

The tombs of Francisco and Jacinta are located in the Basilica, along with the mortal remains of D. Jose Alves Correia da Silva, first Bishop of Leiria after its restoration in 1920. The monumental organ, mounted in 1952, has approximately 12,000 pipes.

The Colonnade

On the colonnade in front of the Basilica, statues of four Portuguese Saints can be seen: St. John of God, St. John of Brito, St. Anthony, and Blessed Nuno of Santa Maria, along with numerous other saints including St. Teresa of Avila, St. John Bosco, and St. Ignatius of Loyola.

Perpetual Adoration Chapel

Placed at the end of the colonnade on the eastern side, this chapel for perpetual adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is a place of silent prayer and adoration.

The Big Holm Oak

Under this tree, the little shepherds and early pilgrims awaited Our Lady's coming and prayed the Rosary.

Monument to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Standing in the centre of the square over a spring whose waters have been the instrument of many graces.

Via Sacra (Stations of the Cross)

Composed of 14 chapels commemorating the Passion of Our Lord, plus a 15th corresponding to the Resurrection. The first 14 stations were offered by Catholic Hungarian refugees and inaugurated on 12 May 1964. The Holy Way follows the path the little shepherds took when going from Aljustrel to Cova da Iria.

Berlin Wall Monument

At the entrance of the Sanctuary stands a concrete segment of the Berlin Wall, weighing 2,600 kg and measuring 3.60 metres high. Offered by Portuguese emigrant Virgilio Casimiro Ferreira, it serves as a grateful memorial of God's intervention for the fall of Communism as promised at Fatima. Inaugurated on 13 August 1994.

High Cross

At the extreme south of the esplanade, commemorating the closing of the Holy Year in 1951.

Monument to Pope Paul VI

Marking his pilgrimage to Fatima on 13 May 1967.

Monument to Pope Pius XII

Erected as a gift from German Catholics in 1961.

Valinhos

400 metres from Aljustrel, this is the site of Our Lady's 4th apparition on 19 August 1917, marked by a monument.

Loca do Anjo

Where the children received the first and third visit of the "Angel of Peace" in the spring and autumn of 1916.

Homes of the Little Shepherds

In Aljustrel, visitors can see the homes where Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta lived. At the bottom of Lucia's garden is the well where the "Angel of Portugal" appeared for the second time.

Ethnographic Museum

Located near Lucia's house, preserving local traditions and culture.

By Car

Fatima is located off the A1 motorway (Lisbon-Porto), approximately 142 km north of Lisbon and 180 km south of Porto.

Pilgrimages

The main pilgrimage dates are 13 May and 13 October, commemorating the first and last apparitions. Candlelit processions are held on the eve of these dates.