Things to Do in Fátima

Fatima became a global pilgrimage destination after three shepherd children reported seeing apparitions of the Virgin Mary in 1917, an event recognized by the Catholic Church in 1930.

The Basilica of Our Lady of Fatima is one of the most visited Marian shrines in the world, attracting over 4 million pilgrims annually.

The town sits on Portugal's Estremadura plateau at around 350 meters elevation, roughly 130 kilometers north of Lisbon in the Leiria district.

Every year on May 13th and October 13th, massive candlelit processions commemorate the apparition dates, drawing hundreds of thousands of devotees to Fatima.

The Sanctuary of Fatima complex has expanded to include two basilicas, a modern chapel, and extensive grounds covering nearly 100 hectares.