The Sanctuary of Fátima is a symbol of the Virgin
Mary and one
of the world's most important religious
sites. A major tourist attraction for centuries,
pilgrims from all over the world flock here every
year, especially between May and October.
It was between May and October 1917, when three
shepherd children, Jacinta, Francisco and Lúcia -
witnessed apparitions of Our lady of the Rosary,
(the Virgin Mary), at the site of the sanctuary.
Initially regarded with suspicion by the Church, but
greatly cherished by the people, the phenomenon was
only officially recognised in 1930 by the Bishop of
Leiria. On the 13th May 2000 the Vatican beatified
Jacinta and Francisco, because
it is said they could
miraculously cure illness after their visions.
The fame of the Sanctuary of Fátima has spread
throughout the
world, especially during the papacy
of John Paul II, who was
a devout worshipper of Our
Lady of Fátima.
As well as the famous Sanctuary, you can also visit
Fátima Parish Church,
the small Chapel of the Holy Way and the Calvary.
At Loca do Anjo in Valinhos, you can visit the
shepherd children's houses and their local water
well.
Trips to the Museum of Sacred Art and Ethnology, the
Wax Museum, and the Casa-Museu de Aljustrel, as well
as the Museu Fátima 1917 Aparições,
and the Animated Crib and Village of Bethlehem -
will all shed light on the history of Fátima too,
and leave a lasting impression of this mystical
place.
