Sanctuary of Fátima Religious Site

Address: Lugar do Cova da Iria, 2495-424 Fátima, Portugal

Website: https://www.fatima.pt

Hours: Shrine grounds open 24 hours; Basilica typically daily 7:00am-7:00pm (times vary seasonally)

Admission: Free ( shrine grounds ); pilgrim amenities and museum have separate fees

The Sanctuary of Fátima is a major Roman Catholic pilgrimage complex in the town of Fátima in central Portugal, centered on reported Marian apparitions in 1917. It is one of the most visited Marian shrines in Europe.

The site is anchored by the small Chapel of the Apparitions, a large open esplanade for processions and the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary; a modern Basilica of the Holy Trinity completed in the early 21st century provides extensive indoor space for pilgrims. Masses, processions and devotional events-especially on 13 May and 13 October-are the main draws for visitors.

In 1917 three children reported six apparitions of the Virgin Mary; the Chapel of the Apparitions was erected at the apparition spot and the sanctuary expanded over the 20th century to include the Rosary Basilica and supporting buildings as pilgrimage numbers grew.

The sanctuary sits in the town of Fátima in Leiria District, roughly 125-130 kilometers north of Lisbon, and is accessible by road and regional bus services.

• Major pilgrimage dates: 13 May and 13 October are the principal pilgrimage dates and draw the largest crowds each year; arrive well before the scheduled events to secure a vantage point.
• Esplanade capacity: The central esplanade in front of the Chapel and basilica can hold hundreds of thousands of pilgrims during major processions and liturgies.

What to See#

• Chapel of the Apparitions: Built on the site where the three shepherd children reported Marian apparitions in 1917, the small chapel marks the exact location of the apparitions and is the focal point for prayers and votive offerings.
• Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary: Constructed in the mid-20th century, this basilica houses the tombs of two of the visionaries and contains devotional altars and a bell tower used for large liturgical celebrations.
• Basilica of the Holy Trinity: A large modern basilica consecrated in 2007 that provides extensive indoor seating for pilgrims and hosts major liturgies and international services.
• Central esplanade: A broad open paved area in front of the Chapel and basilicas that accommodates processions and very large gatherings of pilgrims during major feast days.

Fátima is about 130 km north of Lisbon. From Lisbon (Sete Rios bus terminal) regular Rede Expressos coaches run to Fátima in 1.5-2 hours. From nearby Coimbra or Tomar regional buses also connect. Taxis and private transfers are available from nearby railway stations (Caxarias/Tomar) if arriving by train.

• Attend or arrive before the evening candlelight procession (May-October) for the full devotional atmosphere.
• Visit early morning to see groups from Portugal, Poland, and Latin America praying in different languages.
• Drop into the small museum to see ex-votos (offerings) and the register books where pilgrims record intentions - they are moving and specific.