Growing up Catholic I learned about the story of the Virgin of Fatima at an early age. I was always fascinated by the story of the three shepherds who the Virgin appeared to. It is no surprise that, when I first visited Portugal back in 2011, I made a visit to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima. That was my first and only visit until May 2025 when my mom visited Portugal and asked me to take her to Fatima.
About the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima is one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world. It draws millions of visitors each year to the small town of Fátima, about 125 kilometers north of Lisbon. The sanctuary marks the site where, in 1917, three shepherd children reported apparitions of the Virgin Mary, known as Our Lady of Fátima. The message of peace and repentance conveyed during these apparitions quickly resonated with the global Catholic community, transforming this once-quiet village into a place of profound spiritual significance.
Getting There
Getting to Fátima is easy via bus from Lisbon’s Sete Rios terminal, with Rede Expressos offering frequent daily departures. The ride takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes and drops you off within walking distance of the sanctuary. While there’s no direct train, you can also reach Fátima by car via the A1 motorway, making it a convenient day trip.
We’ve visited Fátima by bus and by car, and both options were easy and convenient. Parking was free and easy to find when we drove there. A plus of traveling by car is the ability to visit other nearby attractions while in the area (see my post on nearby Tomar).
Visiting the Complex
The sanctuary complex is vast and serene, and it’s best to start your visit at the Chapel of the Apparitions (Capelinha das Aparições), the exact location where the Virgin is said to have appeared to the children. Daily Masses are held in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Italian, and, of course, Portuguese—especially during high pilgrimage seasons (May–October). Check the official schedule ahead of your visit if you want to attend a service in your language. Near the chapel, you’ll find a space to light candles, a simple yet deeply moving act that visitors often do in memory, prayer, or thanksgiving.
A short walk from the chapel brings you to the Cova da Iria, the field where the apparitions occurred. Here you’ll find the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, which houses the tombs of the three shepherds—Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta—as well as the towering Monument to the Sacred Heart of Jesus at the center of the main esplanade. Opposite the original basilica is the modern Church of the Holy Trinity, completed in 2007, which is one of the largest churches in the world by capacity and features a striking contemporary design.
Final Thoughts
Whether you come to Fátima for spiritual reasons or out of historical curiosity, the experience is quiet, contemplative, and impactful. The sanctuary grounds are free to enter and open year-round, though visiting on the 13th of the month (especially in May or October) offers the chance to witness large-scale pilgrimages and candlelit processions. Even for non-religious visitors, Fátima offers a unique window into Portuguese culture, devotion, and 20th-century history. Comfortable shoes, a respectful attitude, and a moment of stillness are all you need to appreciate what makes this sacred place so unforgettable.
To learn more about other places to visit in Portugal, check out our Portugal page.
