Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima: Pilgrimage to Portugal’s Marian Shrine & the Miracle of the Sun

Photos of Fatima Shrine

Set in the Cova da Iria fields of central Portugal, the Fátima Shrine encompasses the Neo-Baroque Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, the towering 202-foot Chapel of the Apparitions, and the expansive Via Sacra (Way of the Cross) leading to the modern Basilica of the Holy Trinity. Pilgrims come to pray before the original oak tree site of the apparitions, process the Sanctuary grounds at dawn, and attend the daily Rosary and evening candlelight procession—recreating the “Miracle of the Sun” that drew thousands on October 13, 1917.

What to Expect

Begin at the Chapel of the Apparitions—pause beneath its open arch to venerate the white Carrara marble statue marking the Virgin’s first appearance. Enter the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary to see the tombs of Saints Francisco and Jacinta Marto and the intricate frescoes depicting the six Marian visions. Walk the Via Sacra’s 14 stations, each marked by sculpted altarpieces, to the modern Basilica of the Holy Trinity—its circular nave seating 8,600 for Pilgrim Masses. At dusk, join the candlelight procession on the esplanade, where tens of thousands carry flickering candles in a moving sea of devotion.

Background and Cultural Context

Between May and October 1917, three young shepherds—Lúcia, Francisco, and Jacinta—reported six visions of the Virgin Mary instructing prayer, penance, and consecration. Word of the “Miracle of the Sun” on October 13 attracted over 70,000 witnesses. The original chapel was built in 1919; the Basilica of the Rosary followed in 1928. Inaugurated in 2007, the Basilica of the Holy Trinity accommodates modern pilgrimage needs while preserving the Cova’s humble origins. Fátima remains a global center of Marian devotion, papal visits, and ecumenical prayer.

Best Time to Visit

May 13 and October 13 feast days commemorate the first and final apparitions—pilgrims arrive days in advance for candlelit vigils and multilingual Pilgrim Masses. For quieter reflection, weekday mornings (9–11 AM) offer access to chapels and tombs before crowds gather. Evening Rosary and processions (9–10 PM) provide an atmospheric spiritual experience under the stars outside peak dates.

How to Get There

Fátima lies 80 miles north of Lisbon. By train: to Caxarias station, then a 5-mile shuttle bus to the Sanctuary. By bus: direct Rede Expressos lines from Lisbon’s Sete Rios or Oriente stations. Driving: take the A1 highway to exit 10 and follow signs for Fátima; free parking is available near the esplanade. The Basilica of the Rosary and Chapel of the Apparitions are wheelchair-accessible; shuttle trains operate across the esplanade for visitors with mobility needs.

Photo Opportunities

• Chapel of the Apparitions bathed in morning light with pilgrims kneeling beneath the arch
• Interior of the Basilica of the Rosary showcasing the twin bell towers and frescoed nave
• Candlelit procession on the esplanade at dusk with the Holy Trinity Basilica in the background
• Way of the Cross’s sculpted stations framed by olive and pine trees in soft afternoon glow
• Panorama from the hilltop atop the Sanctuary grounds capturing the full esplanade and basilicas

Travel Tips

• Dress modestly—shoulders and knees should be covered when inside chapels and basilicas.
• Arrive early on feast days to secure a place near the Chapel of the Apparitions for the Rosary.
• Purchase pilgrimage souvenirs (rosaries, candles, chaplets) from the official gift shops to support the Sanctuary’s upkeep.
• Bring a refillable water bottle and light snacks—the vast esplanade offers limited shaded seating.
• Combine your visit with nearby Aljustrel, the shepherd children’s home village, for a deeper pilgrimage context.

FAQs

Is admission required?
No—entry to all Sanctuary grounds is free; donations support maintenance and pilgrim services.

Can I attend Mass?
Yes—daily Pilgrim Masses are held in Portuguese, English, and other languages; check the schedule posted at the information desk.

Are guided tours available?
Free guided pilgrim tours depart from the Pilgrim Information Center in various languages; private tours can be arranged in advance.

Is photography allowed?
Non-flash photography is permitted outside active worship times; avoid using flash inside chapels during Mass.

Final Thoughts

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima remains a living testament to faith, conversion, and Marian devotion. Whether drawn by history, devotion to Mary, or the power of communal prayer, a pilgrimage here offers an uplifting encounter with Portugal’s most profound spiritual legacy.