Fatima Sanctuary, also called Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fátima, is located in the municipality of Fatima, Portugal. The sanctuary is devoted to the Virgin Mary and is one of Europe's most popular pilgrimage sites. The attractions include several Catholic religious structures, out of which the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary comprises the main building. You can also explore the museum, the Chapel of the Apparitions and the Chapel of the Lausperene.
Explore Valinhos and get a chance to learn about the ancient history of Catholics. Discover the houses of the three shepherds inside the sanctuary, from where they saw the spirit of the Virgin Mary. You can meditate on the exquisitely landscaped grounds of the sanctuary. Capture priceless moments with your loved ones while admiring the beauty of the church. You can marvel at the breathtaking architecture of the Fatima Sanctuary, which represents Hungarian saints. You can click countless pictures handheld at the sacred monument with your loved ones.
Highlights
• Visit one of the most famous pilgrimage destinations in Europe, Fatima Sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
• Explore the main building, which is the Roman Catholic church named Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary.
• Stroll around in the Chapel of the Apparitions and the Chapel of the Lausperene of the sanctuary.
• Meditate in the peaceful environment of the sanctuary, far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
• Get a chance to learn about the history and different stories of the Virgin Mary while exploring the museums in the sanctuary.
How To Reach
1. By Car: Fatima Sanctuary is approximately 3 km from the city centre of Fatima, Portugal, via Av. Irmã Lúcia de Jesus. You can cover the distance in around 5 minutes by a cab.
2, By Bus: The bus runs hourly from Fátima Bus Terminal to Santuário Norte. Further, you can reach the Fatima Sanctuary which is 10 minutes of walking distance away.
Best Time To Visit
Fatima Sanctuary is a year-round sacred destination, so plan your visit as per your availability and seasonal preferences.
1. Best season: The best season to visit Fatima Sanctuary is from May to October due to the comfortable weather conditions.
2. Best day in the week: The best day in the week to visit Fatima Sanctuary is on the weekdays as the weekends can be crowded.
3. Best time of the day: The best time of the day to visit Fatima Sanctuary is early morning, around 9:00 AM for a seamless visit. The attraction is open 24*7, however, the museum and the basilica have specific opening hours. The museum's opening hours are 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Basilica’s opening hours are 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Other Essential Information
1. Refrain from throwing litter anywhere and throw it responsibly in the dustbin or carry it with you.
2. Talk politely and avoid making loud noises so that you don’t disturb the people around you.
3. There is no dress code, however, consider wearing modest clothing to show respect to the religious place.
4. Carry a water bottle to stay hydrated as you have to walk a lot.
5. Avoid carrying tripods, and consider clicking pictures handheld inside the sanctuary.
6. Consider buying tickets online to avoid the long queues at the sanctuary.
7. Carry lightweight snacks to enjoy while strolling through the sanctuary.
Explore the sacred Sanctuary
You can explore the group of Catholic religious structures and buildings inside the Fatima sanctuary with your loved ones. The sanctuary was built near the Cova da Iria, where the three kids saw Our Lady of the Rosary's Marian spirits. The small Chapel of the Apparitions and its shelter is in the hearts of the sanctuary. Several events related to the apparitions are organised here in the chapel. While strolling around, you can also admire the breathtaking architecture of the sanctuary.
Offer Prayers at the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary
You can offer prayers at the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, which is a Roman Catholic church in the Fatima Sanctuary. There are 15 altars in the church that portray the mysteries of the Rosary. You can also see the tombs of the young visionaries Jacinta and Francisco Marto. The painting above the high altar prepared by the Angel of Portuguese represents the message that Our Lady gave the young shepherds. You can see statues of the legendary Rosary apostles like St. Anthony Claret, St. Dominic of Guzman, St. John Eudes, and St. Stephen, King of Hungary.
Observe the Exhibitions in the Museum
Take a glance at the temporary and permanent exhibitions inside the Fatima Sanctuary. Behold the invaluable crown that a statue of Our Lady adorns on important pilgrimage days and other occasions. You can also see some of the offerings made by the highest authorities of the church and the locals such as the Golden Rose. Visit the House Museum of Aljustrel, the house of Lucia’s grandmother. The architecture of the house depicts the work of the architect of that era.
Meditate in the Chapel of the Apparitions
You can relax and meditate in the Chapel of the Apparitions with your loved ones. It is said that the three young shepherd children saw the spirit of the Virgin Mary here. A statue of Our Lady is placed on the marble pillar to mark the exact location. The chapel was constructed in 1919, however, due to an explosion in 1922, it was restored. The place still preserves the original characteristics, which makes it a well-liked hermitage.
Stroll Around in the Spirituality
You can stroll around the spiritual and positive aura around the sanctuary. Walk through the paved pathways taking you to different attractions in the Fatima Sanctuary. You can relax your mind in the peaceful surroundings far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Capture priceless memories of the sacred destination with your loved ones while admiring the attractions in the Fatima Sanctuary. You can also learn about the ancient history of the Fatima Sanctuary and different stories related to the Virgin Mary.
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