Fatima

This is one of the most important shrines dedicated to Our Lady in Portugal and in the world. The shrine is located in Cova da Iria – in the town of Fatima in central Portugal (120km from Lisbon), and was the location of several apparitions of Our Lady in 1917 to three little shepherds. A small chapel was erected on the spot where the apparitions occured and, to this day, it still holds the image of Our Lady of Fatima. Close by, the basilica with is white bell tower and the tombs of the three children, offers masses daily. Across from it stands the modern Church of the Trinity.

Between May and October 1917, always on the 13^th day of each month, Holy Mary appearedto the three little shepherds – Lucia de Jesus, Jacinta Marto and Francisco Marto. On the first visit in May 1917, a “white lady” appeared and spoke with them instructing them to pray and to return to that exact spot each month until a miracle would accour. On the 13^th of October 1917, the sun danced in the sky for the many pilgrims that where there that day. A Madonna has been placed on a marble column precisely on this spot and a small stone chapel was erected.

From May to October every year, the 13^th day of each month is celebrated in a very special way.
Processions with the image of Our Lady of Fatima mark the highlight of the pilgrimage ceremonies that are held in remembrance of the apparitions that started on the 13^th of May in 1917 and then followed every 13^th of each month until the last apparition on the 13^th October 1917.

Paul VI 13^th May 1967

John Paul II 12^th/13^th May 1982

John Paul II 13^th May 1991

John Paul II 13^th May 2000: beatification of Jacinta and Francisco Marto, two of the seers of Fatima.

Benedict XVI 13^th May 2010

Pope Francis 13^th May 2017: canonization of Jacinta and Francisco Marto

Where to go

1. Procession of the Candles - in the night from the 12^th to the 13^th day of each month between May and October, a spectacular procession takes place: thousands of pilgrims carry candles and illuminate the Sanctuary while the image of Our Lady passes by in a solemn procession.
2. Christmas Festivities -  for Christmas, Fátima becomes a lively city.
3. Via Sacra de Ourém (Good Friday): The inhabitants of the village and its surroundings reenact the Passion of Christ along the historic streets
4. Festival of Our Lady of Ortiga - One of the oldest Marian feasts of Fatima takes place six kilometers from the Sanctuary, always on the first Sunday of July.
5. Santo Amaro Fair - At the foot of the medieval Village of Ourém, on January 15^th , the feast is held in honor of Santo Amaro.

In Ourém, more precisely in the place of Santo Amaro at the foot of the Medieval Village of Ourém and close to the chapell of Saint Amaro, people celebrate the so-called “Festa de Santo Amaro”. The festivities, with religious and profane component, always take place on the 15th of january, regardless of whether it is weekend or weekday.

Religiosity is manifested in the pilgrimage that still takes place today to the chapel, where many objects are left in wax to fulfill promises made to the saint known for miraculous healings. Another attraction of the party is the improvised stalls that are located next to the chapel where, in addition to the dried fruits, where the pine nut stands out, are for sale cakes, cheese, honey, “bailarotes” (pumpkin sweets), barley coffee, among other traditional delicacies. The dish of lamb is not dispensed with in these days.

If you are in Fátima those days, on next 15th of january, come to this traditional fair!

1. Sanctuary of Fatima - Chapel of the Apparitions, Basilica with the tombs of the seers and Church of the Holy Trinity. The Cova da Iria, the stage of the apparitions, has become an important religious place of worship that welcomes pilgrims and tourists from around the world each year (9,4 million in 2017). www.fatima.pt

2. Aljustrel and Valinhos - birthplace of the three seers and where you can visit their houses, as well as Valinhos where the angel first appeared. Starting at the south roundabout in Fátima, you can walk the Way of the Cross up to Lucia's house in Aljustrel. www.ourem.pt

3. Parish Church of Fatima – Old church of the village of Fatima, where the three shepherds were baptized. www.paroquiadefatima.org

4. Sanctuary of the Ortiga - Marian Sanctuary a few kilometers from Fatima, once a very important pilgrimage site, still holds festivities in honor of Our Lady on the first Sunday of July. A local legend tells the story of a little shepherd who was cured through a miracle in 1758.  www.paroquiadefatima.org

5. Administrator's House and Jacinta Marto Memorial in Ourém - Old house of the Administrator of Ourém, Artur Santos, who welcomed the three seers of Fatima in August 1917 for questioning. The house shows permanent exhibitions about Ourém and Fatima at the time of the apparitions as well as temporary exhibitions. In front of the hospital is now the Jacinta Marto Memorial that can be visited. www.museu.cm-ourem.pt

City of Ourém and Medieval Village of Ourém
The walled town of Ourém, once known as Abdegas, holds a central and strategic location within the country. Inhabited since prehistory, it was reconquered from the Moors around the year 1136 by D. Afonso Henriques, first King of Portugal. Its time of greatest splendor was in the 15^th century, thanks to the cosmopolitan actions of D. Afonso, 4^th count of Ourém. It was at that time that the Palace of the Count and the collegiate church were built. The earthquake of 1755 devastated the town that was shortly afterwards marked by the French invasions.

Nature Park of Agroal and Natural Monument of the Dinosaur Footprints
The Natural Monument is a mid-Jurassic deposit (about 175 million years old). It is the longest trail of sauropods known in the fossil records worldwide. The Nature Park belongs to the Natura 2000 network and it’s the largest water spring of the River Nabão, with a riverside beach and an interpretation center. This is a landscape of great biodiversity and of geological and archeological interest.

Batalha (UNESCO Heritage Site), Alcobaça (UNESCO Heritage Site) and Nazaré (sanctuary and beach)
The monasteries of Batalha and Alcobaça, both recognized by UNESCO, are two of the most significant monuments in central Portugal and some of the most emblematic in the country. Worth a visit are the magnificent churches, cloisters, gardens and the tombs of several kings and queens of Portugal.  Nazaré is a picturesque fishermen’s town in west coastal Portugal associated with long and beautiful beaches and seafood. Don't miss the Sancturary of Our Lady of Nazaré in the upper part of the town.

Tomar (UNESCO Heritage Site)
The beautiful town of Tomar, near the river Nabão, was once the main seat of the Knights Templar in Portugal. The town's cultural and historic heritage includes the medieval castle, numerous churches and a synagogue. The Convent of Christ in the Templars' castle is another UNESCO world heritage site to discover in this region, with its cloisters, living quarters and halls, the magnificent Charola and the ornate Manueline window.

Coimbra - Old University City
Coimbra is one of the most beautiful cities in Portugal. The university is one of the oldest in Europe with a magnificent library and chapel. Along the Mondego river we discover the traditions of the university and important sights like the old cathedral (Sé Velha), the church of Santa Clara a Velha, museums, Fado music from Coimbra and other beautiful sights. Coimbra was also the place where sister Lucia (the only seer of Fátima that lived longer) lived in the convent of Carmelitas de Coimbra until she died in 2005.