What you need to know about Fatima

Originally this village was named after a Moorish princess. Today, Fatima is a tourist attraction and one of the largest pilgrimages in the world.

In May 1917, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to 3 shepherd children. Lucia, Jacinta and Francisco. After that, she returns to the same place every month.

In October 2017, she appears for one last time and tells three secrets to the children.

Since then, Fatima has been a sacred place for pilgrims, worldwide.

There is a 65 meter high Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, on the main square. Here are the graves of the shepherd children. There is also a chapel on the square, where the apparitions took place. Visitors can follow the masses that take place there every day. Opposite the Basilica is also the fourth largest Catholic church in the world, the Church of the Holy Trinity. This church was built in 2005. There are 9000 seats and 13 doors symbolizing Jesus, the main entrance, and his 12 apostles.

Fatima is located in central Portugal, about a 90-minute drive from Casa Pausa Sesimbra. It is one of the most visited places in Portugal. Outside the sanctuary you also have religious and traditional Portuguese shops, a natural park and the most popular sights around Fatima; the houses of the shepherd children.

So whether you are religious or not, it is certainly very impressive!