The Sanctuary of Fátima is, par excellence, a place of Christian pilgrimage and Catholic devotion, preserving the memory of the events that led to its foundation, namely the apparitions of Our Lady of Fátima to the three shepherd children – Lúcia dos Santos, Francisco and Jacinta Marto – in 1917.
Its magnitude and significance from a religious standpoint have been widely recognized both nationally and internationally. By the express wish of the Holy See, this is a National Sanctuary.
It is also one of the most important Marian shrines in the world, belongs to the Catholic Church, is the largest international destination for religious tourism, and welcomes around six million visitors per year.
On this tour, we will go to the hamlet of Aljustrel, known as the Village of Valinhos, where the 3 shepherd children lived. Upon arrival at the Sanctuary, there will be a 90-minute self-guided visit to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary. The building, which stands out for its 65-meter-high tower, is where the remains of the three little shepherds lie. Next, we'll visit the Basilica of the Holy Trinity, the most recent basilica in the sanctuary, and the Chapel of the Apparitions, where, with a bit of luck, you'll have the opportunity to attend Mass.
After visiting the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, the Basilica of the Holy Trinity and the Chapel of the Apparitions – the three most important iconic monuments in Fátima – we will return to Coimbra.