Portugal Pilgrimage Fatima
Our Lady of Fatima Shrine, Portugal
How do you pronounce Fatima?
A simple female name has two different forms to pronounce. You can hear the video below. In Portugal, it is similar to English-speaking pronunciation (UK).
However, it is not a Portuguese name. It is a Muslim female name! Fatima means captivating. The first daughter of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad had this name. In the Koran, Fatima is described as the perfect woman!
Read more: Small Group Tours in Portugal.
Why do we have a Muslim name in a Catholic city?
According to the legend, a Moorish princess named Fatima was taken captive during the Reconquista. She married her captor, the Count of Ourem, who called her lands after her.
We don’t know why the Virgin Mary appeared in one city with a Muslim name. Maybe she would like to pass a message that Catholics and Muslims must live in peace and harmony. We respect Her choice and preserve the city’s name.
Read more: Best Time to Visit Portugal.
Our Lady of Fatima Portugal History
Three shepherd children reported that they saw visions of the Virgin Mary with a Rosary. They called her Our Lady of the Rosary. It began on May 13, 1917, and then again on the 13th day of five subsequent months. They were Francisco (nine years old), Jacinta Marto (eight years old), and Lucia (eleven years old).
Francisco died at ten years old because of the influenza epidemic. Jacinta died at nine years old with the same disease, and Lucia died at age 97 in 2005.
The most famous apparition of our lady was on October 13, 1917, when Mary appeared. Many people saw the sun dance, spin, and descend on them, drying their rain-soaked clothes and the land. That was the miracle of the sun.
During the apparition, our lady shared three visions: the secrets.
Comfortable & Private Tours Half-day in Fátima. Book here
The three secrets of Fatima are:
- A vision of the souls in Hell.
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Prediction of the end of World War I. A prediction of the beginning of World War II. As well as a request to consecrate Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Why? We are not talking about the political idea, but it is the prophetic vision of the struggle for atheism.
- A vision of the Pope being killed. Pope John Paul II donated the bullet to this Sanctuary. You can see it in the Chapel of the Apparitions, on the crown of the Holy Lady.
Where to Find Fatima in Portugal: A Comprehensive Guide
What is the Best Day to Visit Fatima
The best time to visit this city is during the week (no crowds). The Shrine is quiet, and the public restrooms are cleaned.
Avoid these dates:
- Mother’s Day,
- June 10,
- Good Friday,
- Easter Sunday,
- Freedom Day on April 25,
- Labour Day on May 1,
- Corpus Christi (60 days after Easter Sunday),
- The apparitions’ dates, i.e., on May 13 and October 13.
Where is the Fatima Shrine in Portugal?
The Fatima Shrine in Portugal is situated in the civil parish of Fatima, located in the municipality of Ourem. It serves as the spiritual center of Portugal.
Where is Fatima in Portugal?
It is located 80 miles (130 km) north of Lisbon and 123 miles (198 km) south of Porto.
Read more: How can I get to Portugal?
How to Get to Fatima, Portugal
Day Trip to Fatima from Lisbon
Unfortunately, Fatima itself does not have a train station. The nearest train station is located in Ourem, approximately 30 kilometers away from the village. If you are in Lisbon or Porto and planning a visit to Fatima, you have three transportation options to consider:
- Renting a car: This option allows you to have more flexibility and independence during your journey. However, it also means taking responsibility for navigating the roads, paying tolls, finding parking, and refueling.
- Taking a bus from Lisbon to Fatima: The bus ride typically takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes. Upon arrival at the bus station in Fatima, you will need to walk for approximately 15 minutes to reach the Sanctuary. If you are traveling from Braga, the bus journey takes about 3 hours and 15 minutes. From Porto, it takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes.
- Opting for a Private Driver Tour Fatima: This guided tour allows you to explore multiple destinations in a single day. The cost for a group of four to seven people is €99 per person. You also have the option to customize your trip from Lisbon by booking a private full-day tour.
Feel free to book your private tour now and embark on an unforgettable journey to these remarkable destinations.
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What is the closest airport to Fatima, Portugal?
No, the nearest international airport to Fatima is in Lisbon or Porto.
What to Wear in Fatima, Portugal
We don’t have a formal dress code to visit Catholic Churches in Portugal, but be respectful. We advise you to avoid a short dress or skirt, tank top, bandeau top, necklines, etc.
You can wear jeans and other comfortable clothes. Please cover your shoulders and legs.
Fatima Mass Schedule Portugal
Check before the Mass Schedule. Looking for an English service? Click here for more information.
If you decide to watch the candlelight procession, we advise you overnight in Fátima. Contact us to book your hotel.
The Top Attractions and Hidden Gems of Fatima, Portugal
We select a few places to visit in the pilgrimage town.
- Statue of John Paul II
- The Great Oak Tree of the Miracle – Unfortunately, that is not the original oak.
- Colunata – That is the perfect place to stay when it is raining. It is used to connect the Basilica. It is composed of 200 columns, 14 panels, and 17 statues of angels.
- Basilica of the Holy Trinity – That was the last church to be built. The architect was the Greek Alexandros Tomazis. Inside, it has 8633 seats.
- The Basilica (Holy Lady of the Rosario) was built in 1953. You can visit the tombs of the three children inside.
- Chapel of the Apparitions – It is the most important place on this pilgrimage site. It’s the heart of the Sanctuary! It was built on the site where the Virgin Mary appeared. You can see the original statue of Our Lady. In the crown, there’s the bullet that almost killed Pope John Paul II in 1981.
- Gift Shop – Around the Shrine there are thousands of small stores with gifts.
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Experience the Best Fatima Tours from Lisbon
Join our exclusive private tour and embark on a remarkable journey to Fatima, where you can create your own itinerary and explore Portugal at your own pace. This personalized tour ensures complete freedom and flexibility to design your itinerary according to your preferences.
Discover the captivating beauty of Fatima, a city rich in spiritual significance. Immerse yourself in its sacred atmosphere and visit the renowned Fatima Shrine, a place of pilgrimage and devotion. Explore historic sites, learn fascinating stories, and feel the spiritual energy that permeates this holy destination.
With our Best Fatima Tours from Lisbon, you have the power to shape your adventure. Whether you prefer to spend more time in Fatima, explore additional cities, or delve into the hidden gems of Portugal, our private tour offers the ultimate flexibility to cater to your desires.
Embark on an extraordinary journey through Portugal. Book our Best Fatima Tours from Lisbon today and unlock the wonders that await you in this captivating country.