The Sanctuary of Fátima is a major Catholic pilgrimage site in Fatima, in the Santarém district of Portugal. It is known in Portuguese as the Santuário de Fátima. The sanctuary stands in the Cova da Iria, and its address is 2495-424 Fátima, Portugal.
Why people come
The sanctuary is associated with the belief that the Virgin Mary appeared to three shepherd children here in 1917. That belief draws pilgrims from around the world, and the site attracts millions of visitors each year. Whatever your own beliefs, many people visit to understand the place's religious and cultural importance, or simply to take in its atmosphere.
What you will find
- Two basilicas, which together make up the core of the sanctuary.
- The open spaces around them, where crowds gather, especially during the major pilgrimage occasions.
- A place of prayer and reflection, suited to quiet moments as well as to the busier times of the year.
Planning your visit
Because the sanctuary draws such large numbers, it can be busy, particularly on pilgrimage dates. If you prefer a calmer visit, consider arriving outside the peak periods and allowing time to walk slowly through the grounds. For up-to-date information, you can call the sanctuary on +351 249 539 600.
Fatima itself is a small town, and the sanctuary is its focal point, so a trip here is naturally centred on this one site. Combining your visit with a wider trip through the Santarém area can give you a fuller sense of the region around it.