Fátima Shrine
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Visit the shrine of Fátima
The shrine is dedicated to Our Lady of Fátima, who is said to have appeared to three shepherd children in 1917. Millions of people visit the shrine each year, and it is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the world.
Discover the Batalha Monastery
The Batalha Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is located in the town of Batalha, Portugal. It is a Gothic monastery that was built in the 15th century to commemorate the victory of the Portuguese over the Castilians at the Battle of Aljubarrota. The monastery is known for its intricate architecture.
Visit the enchanting town of Nazaré
Embrace the picturesque beauty of Nazaré, a charming fishing village nestled along Portugal’s coast. Renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant houses, and colossal waves, this idyllic town boasts a unique atmosphere. Additionally, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré, another revered pilgrimage destination, can be found here (at Largo de Nossa Sra. da Nazaré).
Explore the medieval town of Óbidos
The town of Óbidos is a medieval walled. It is known for its charming cobblestone streets, its whitewashed houses, its castle, and its cherry liqueur ( Ginjinha d’Obidos).
How to drive there
The fastest and shortest way
(1 hour and 30 minutes driving)
- Take the A1 motorway north from Lisbon.
- Take exit 8 for Fátima.
- Follow the signs to the Sanctuary of Fátima.
The suggested way with stops
(2 hours and 15 minutes driving)
- Take the A8 motorway west from Lisbon.
- Take exit 11 for Óbidos.
- Visit Óbidos, a medieval town surrounded by a wall.
- Continue on the A8 motorway.
- Take exit 13 for Nazaré.
- Visit Nazaré, a fishing village known for its giant waves.
- Continue on the A8 motorway.
- Take exit 15 for Alcobaça.
- Visit Alcobaça, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with two monasteries.
- Continue on the A8 motorway.
- Take exit 16 for Batalha.
- Visit Batalha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a Gothic monastery.
- Continue on the A8 motorway.
- Take exit 17 for Fátima.
- Follow the signs to the Sanctuary of Fátima.
Summary of stops
- Óbidos: A walled medieval town with various historical sites to explore, including the Castle of Óbidos, the Church of Santa Maria, and the Jewish Quarter.
- Nazaré: A fishing village renowned for its gigantic waves and a popular tourist destination where you can surf, swim, and fish.
- Alcobaça: A UNESCO World Heritage Site home to two monasteries. The Gothic-style Monastery of Santa Maria de Alcobaça was founded in the 12th century, and the Cistercian Monastery of Clairvaux was established in the 13th century.
- Batalha: Another UNESCO World Heritage Site with a Gothic monastery. The Monastery of Batalha, constructed in the 14th century, was built to commemorate the Portuguese victory over the Castilians in the Battle of Aljubarrota.
Eat & Drink nearby
Pastéis de Belém
Rua de Belém nº 84 a 92
Phone: +351 213637423
Lisbon iconic custard tart
Long queues but mooving fast
On-site cafe & take-away custard tart
Tickets availability
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Frequently Asked Questions
about the Shrine of Fátima
The Fátima shrine is a significant Catholic pilgrimage destination situated in Fátima, Portugal.
It holds immense popularity as one of the most frequented pilgrimage sites across the globe, drawing millions of visitors.
This sacred site is devoted to the Virgin Mary, who is believed to have appeared to three young shepherds in 1917.
The Fátima shrine main highlights include:
- The Chapel of the Apparitions: This modest chapel stands as the location where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to the three young shepherds.
- The Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary: Constructed in the 1950s, this expansive basilica commemorates the 50th anniversary of the apparitions.
- The Basilica of the Holy Trinity: Built in the 2000s, this modern basilica was created to accommodate the increasing number of pilgrims.
- The Way of the Cross: This outdoor pilgrimage route leads pilgrims from the town of Fátima to the Cova da Iria, the site of the apparitions.
- The Museum of the Sacred Art: Housing a collection of religious art and artifacts associated with the Fátima apparitions, this museum offers visitors a glimpse into the sacred history of the shrine.
While the Fátima shrine remains open throughout the year, the optimal periods to plan a visit are during the mild seasons of spring (April-June) and fall (September-November). During these times, the weather is pleasant, enhancing the overall experience.
It’s important to note that the shrine tends to be particularly crowded on significant feast days dedicated to the Virgin Mary, such as May 13th (anniversary of the first apparition) and October 13th (anniversary of the Miracle of the Sun)
To get to the Fátima Shrine from Lisbon, you have several transportation options:
- By Car: The distance between Lisbon and Fátima is approximately 120 kilometers, and the journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions. You can take the A1 highway northbound from Lisbon towards Porto and exit at Fátima. Then follow the shrine indications
- By Bus: The journey by bus takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the route and traffic. Find more informations on Rede Expressos website here.
- By Organized Tours: Another option is to join an organized tour from Lisbon to Fátima. Many tour companies offer day trips or half-day excursions to the Fátima Shrine, providing transportation, guided tours, and free time for exploration.
The three shepherd children who witnessed the apparitions were:
Lucia dos Santos (1907-2005): Lucia was the oldest of the three children. She became a nun and lived to be 98 years old.
Francisco Marto (1908-1919): Francisco was the middle child of the three children. He died of the Spanish flu in 1919 at the age of 11.
Jacinta Marto (1910-1920): Jacinta was the youngest of the three children. She died of the Spanish flu in 1920 at the age of 10.
Find all the information on our Snapshot section under “Prices & Opening Times”
Find all the information on our Snapshot section under “Prices & Opening Times”