Fátima is one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in the world, attracting millions of faithful visitors. The city is famous for the Marian apparitions that occurred in 1917, when the Virgin Mary appeared to three shepherd children – Lúcia, Francisco, and Jacinta. Located about 195 km from Porto, Fátima is visited by pilgrims from all over the world, especially those seeking to strengthen their faith and pay tribute to the Virgin Mary.

Just 2 km from Fátima, we will visit the Casa dos Pastorinhos (House of the Shepherd Children), a site of great historical and religious importance, closely linked to the three shepherd children. This house, originally a small countryside residence, teaches us more about the lives of the children before and after the apparitions.

Next, we will head towards the spiritual heart of the city, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima, a religious complex that welcomes pilgrims seeking prayer, reflection, and blessings. Inside this sanctuary, there are several important historical and religious sites that we will visit.

One of these is the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary. This majestic church, with its imposing architecture, is one of the main points of visit in the sanctuary. It is here that the tombs of the three shepherd children – Lúcia, Francisco, and Jacinta – are located. The basilica is a place of deep veneration, where the faithful pay homage to the blessed children and pray for the world.

The second site is the Chapel of the Apparitions, the sacred place where the Virgin Mary appeared to the children in 1917, during six consecutive months, revealing messages of faith, hope, and prayer. The Chapel of the Apparitions is considered the central point of Fátima, and its serene and welcoming atmosphere helps pilgrims feel closer to spirituality. Inside the chapel, there is a statue of Our Lady of Fátima, which pilgrims visit in prayer, lighting candles and asking for the intercession of the Virgin Mary in their lives.

Finally, we will visit the Relics of the Shepherd Children. The tombs of Francisco, Jacinta, and Lúcia are now located in a space dedicated to these three young people who became symbols of faith and devotion. Francisco and Jacinta were beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2000. Lúcia was the last to pass away and remained a central figure in spreading the message of Fátima. The relics of these shepherd children represent purity and sacrifice, and many pilgrims visit this site to reflect on the Christian values of faith, hope, and charity.

Fátima is not only a place of worship; it is also a symbol of unity and hope for millions of people who visit this sanctuary throughout the year seeking comfort and inspiration. The peaceful and devotional atmosphere that permeates every corner of the city makes Fátima a truly special place and one of the world’s main spiritual landmarks.