Lovely as it is, this little country town of less than 8,000 about 75 miles north of Lisbon wouldn’t be on the radar if it weren’t for its most famous citizens: the three shepherd children who, in 1917, saw monthly visions of the Virgin Mary in the Cova da Iria pasture. Today, the site is marked by the Basílica de Fátima, where pilgrims come on the 13th of every month to honor the Virgin and her young visionaries, especially in May and October, when the apparitions originally began and ended.
Restaurants in Fatima
4.5 based on 353 reviews
This compound is not what I was expecting. I guess I didn’t do my research. The old church sits elevated above a very large open area for crowds to gather for services, with the new church opposite. There is a small glass building on one side of the open area, beside an olive tree that is supposed to be the site of the next appearance of the Virgin Mary. The old church is quite plain inside, although you can visit the tombs of the children who claim to have seen the first appearance a century ago. The new church is very large, with a retractable roof, but not really a beautiful building. The streets surrounding the sanctuary are what you would expect, full of hotels and souvenir shops. I am glad we saw it, but were not impressed.
4.5 based on 132 reviews
This basilica sits at the top of the wide, wide esplanade of Fatima. For me, the esplanade was the main feature of visiting Fatima. The basilica holds religious importance of course for Catholics and must be visited. Architecturally, the basilica is not so different from others.
But the expansive esplanade - more than twice as large as St. Peter's Square in the Vatican, is humbling in the extreme, especially when observing streams of
religious pilgrims walking through it to the Cathedral or the chapel off to the side.
4.5 based on 224 reviews
Honestly I kinda bumped into it on one end not really knowing where I was. I was wondering around with my dog and liked the olive trees.
As I was walking in and finding the shrines it became clear that it was related to the path of Jesus carrying the cross.
It was a sunny Sunday morning around 11am so most people where at the main Cathedral still there were many tourists with guides. Most people were quiet and respectful visiting the path and walking it as it was normal to find people sitting or kneeling in prayer.
The statue of Mary where She first appeared to the three shepherds is very beautiful not to mention the meaning of the spot but furder on the path the one of the shepherds with the Angel is also breathtaking.
Even if you not religious it's a lovely path to walk. Very peaceful with pleasent shades from the olive trees.
I highly recommend a visit alone or with family or friends (just remember to talk in a lower tone) if you are in town or just passing by. ☀️
4.5 based on 194 reviews
I found Ourem on Tripadvisor and asked our friends who live in Portugal if we could go there. We drove up the hill and parked near the church. We wandered around and up to the castle. It was fabulous. I just wish we could have gone inside. We walked around as much as we could and admired the beautiful views. I would recommend this castle to tourists.
4.5 based on 3 reviews
This national shrine is the site where three young peasant shepherds spied a "lady brighter than the sun," which was, many believe, the first of six apparitions of the Virgin Mary in this region of Portugal.
As part of a day trip we stopped at Fatina where there was 6 apiritions just over 100 years ago on our day of our visit it was raining so there was not many people visiting which added to our visit, for Catholics this is a must visit if staying nearby
4.5 based on 103 reviews
The house "Ginginha The Castle" is a business for almost 100 years. From traditional old grocery store, in 1993 it became the Bar - Traditional Tavern "Ginjinha The Castle", making it one of the landmarks to visit for those in the historical area of Ourém. Taste the traditional cherry liqueur and treat yourself!
Great ambient to this bar. The gin and tonics are massive!!! The port was good too, but do take change as the bar owner never had change
4 based on 69 reviews
4.5 based on 482 reviews
We entered the courtyard and there was a device going on at 8:00am. The space was packed and they had over 12 priests. The day we came was cold. It's open air so remember to bring a jacket. I would definitely come back!
4.5 based on 395 reviews
The village is about 2 km away from the Fatima shrine and worth visiting. If you don't have your own transportation, there is a tourist train you can take that makes a stop there. There are two houses you can visit for free; and a museum that charges a small admission. There are also a few souvenir stores.
4.5 based on 359 reviews
A must see to understand how the children and families lived in 1917. Our tour guide Nelson provided far greater explanations than the small plaques in each room.
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