Don’t know what to do in Fátima? Discover the 10 places you must visit

May 13th marks one of the most important dates in the history of Portugal, the day of Nossa Senhora de Fátima. Throughout the year and specifically on this date, Santuário de Fátima receives around 6 million visitors. Located in Cova da Iria, the Sanctuary dates the apparitions of the Virgin Mary to the three Pastorinhos, between May 13th and October 13th, in 1917. Guerin invites you to discover what to do in Fátima!

What to visit

1. Basílica de Nossa Senhora do Rosário – Santuário de Fátima

Basílica de Nossa Senhora do Rosário is the oldest church in the Sanctuary of Fátima, and it was inaugurated in October of 1953. It was built in the exact place where the three Pastorinhos, Lúcia, Jacinta and Francisco, saw the first sign of Nossa Senhora de Fátima, in May 1917. You can also see the tombs of Pastorinhos in this Basílica. 

2. Basílica da Santíssima Trindade – Santuário de Fátima

On the opposite side of Nossa Senhora do Rosário, is the new church of the Sanctuary, Basílica da Santíssima Trindade. Inaugurated on October 12th, 2007, it has a more modern appearance, similar to an auditorium, which aims to receive people of all religions and beliefs.

3. Capela das Aparições – Santuário de Fátima

Built in 1919, Capela das Aparições is located on the site of the holm oak where Nossa Senhora de Fátima appeared to the Pastorinhos. Next to the chapel is Sala das Velas, where visitors can buy and light candles to say their prayers.

4. Cruz Alta – Santuário de Fátima

The current Cruz Alta replaced an antique one built in 1951, which was donated to Santuário Nacional do Cristo Rei, in Almada. The new Cross was built on August 29, 2007, next to the statue of John Paul II.

5. Casa dos Pastorinhos

Outside the Sanctuary complex, Casa dos Pastorinhos is 2 km away. You can visit Lúcia's house, as well as the house of cousins ​​Francisco and Jacinta, free of charge. On the way to their houses, you will have to go through a street called Via Sacra, with several chapels that represent the Passion of Christ.

6. Monumento aos Três Pastorinhos e Via Sacra de Valinhos

The monument of Pastorinhos is located at the Rotunda Sul de Fátima in Valinhos, 1 km from the Sanctuary. From this monument it begins the pedestrian route of the Via Sacra and leads to the Chapel dedicated to São Estevão e Calvário Húngaro.

7. Capela de Santo Estevão e Calvário Húngaro

Capela de Santo Estevão and the Hungarian Calvary are at the end of Via Sacra dos Valinhos. Calvário Húngaro reveals a beautiful statuary installed on the terrace above the chapel. The chapel was built in 1964, and renovated in 1994, which included mosaics that represent the apparitions at Cova da Iria.

8. Wax Museum

The Wax Museum is a very popular attraction that includes personalities from the history of Nossa Senhora de Fátima. In addition to the full-scale wax statues, there are several scenarios that were created to tell a little about the history of Fátima, from her appearance to the Pastorinhos, to the visit of Pope John Paul II.

9. Museu do Santuário de Fátima

Created in 1955, the Museum of the Santuário de Fátima demonstrates all the sacred art of the sanctuary. You will also be able to see objects offered by pilgrims, historical, artistic and ethnographic documents and testimonies of pilgrimages.

10. Monumento natural das pegadas de Dinossauros

Close to Fátima is the Natural Monument of the Footprints of Dinosaurs located in Serra de Aire, which is part of the Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park. The footprints were found in 1994, and the monument opened in 1997. The 20 existing dinosaur remains are the largest and oldest ever found, with over 1000 footprints dating back over 175 million years.

Rent a car with Guerin and visit all the memorable places in Fátima!

Looking for a car to visit all the places that Fátima has to offer? With Guerin you can do that without any worries. You just need to choose the vehicle that best suits you, enjoy your visit and discover what to do in Fátima through our suggestions! Whether via the Guerin de Leiria station or the Caldas da Rainha station, all roads lead to Fátima.