Fátima is considered one of the largest centers of Catholic pilgrimage in the world, which attracts an average of 6 million people annually The sanctuary, which started with a small chapel on the site where, in 1917, Lucia, Jacinta and Francisco first saw Our Lady, today occupies an area twice the size of St. Peter's Square in the Vatican. The most sought after place and where the greatest demonstrations of faith can be observed is the Chapel of Apparitions. It was there that the holm oak under which the Virgin appeared. The tree was eventually destroyed by the pilgrims themselves, who plucked their branches. Today, in its place, is the famous image of Our Lady.