Located to the north of Lisbon, Fatima is well-known for its pilgrimage sites for Catholics. Actually, other than some the most important Catholic shrines in the world, Fatima also boasts other tourist attractions that are not religious at all. Here are the seven best things to do in Fatima, Portugal:
1. Make a pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Fatima
Situated in Cova da Iria, the Sanctuary of Fatima is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites around the world. The Sanctuary of Fatima attracts the Catholic visitors to make a pilgrimage and the non-Catholic visitors to marvel at the sanctuary and learn a little about the history of the pilgrimage site. Right in the middle of the Sanctuary is the place where the Virgin Mary appeared to three local shepherd children in 1917 from May to October on the 13th of each month.
Sanctuary of Fatima
Address: 2495-401 Fátima, Portugal
Website: Sanctuary of Fatima
2. Marvel at Basicilica of the Holy Trinity
The Basilica of the Holy Trinity is located not far from the Sanctuary of Fatima. The basilica is another pilgrimage site that must be visited by whoever visits Fatima with the purpose of traveling. Marvel at the amazing architecture of the building. The basilica was awarded the Outstanding Structure Award by the International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering in 2009.
Basilica of the Holy Trinity
Address: Av. de Dom José Alves Correia da Silva, 2496-908 Fátima, Portugal
Website: Basicilica of the Holy Trinity
3. Have a spectacular experience at Museu Interativo
What spectacular experience will you have at the Museu Interativo? You will be taken on a journey to understand more about Fatima, why it is called the Altar of the World. Through the use of the most advanced multimedia technologies (such as 4D and holograms) and contents, you will be shown about the historical events that ever took place in Fatima from the beginning of the 20th century. The significant events include the Miracle of the Sun, the apparition of the Angel of Portugal and the apparition of Our Lady to the three little shepherds Lucia, Jacinta Marto and Francisco Marto.
Museu Interativo
Address: Av. de Dom José Alves Correia da Silva 123, 2495-402 Fátima, Portugal
Website: Museu Interativo
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4. Pay a visit to Casa de Lucia and Casa de Francisco & Jacinta Marto
As previously mentioned, Lucia, Francisco Marto & Jacinta Marto were the three little shepherds before whom the Virgin Mary appeared. That’s why a visit to the Casa de Lucia and Casa de Francisco and Jacinta Marto is a must. The houses are located very close to each other. You can just walk from one house to another. Visiting both houses, you will get some insight into the childhood of the three shepherds and how they spent their lives.
It is as if you were taken back to the time when they grew up. To really get the feeling, you have to enter both houses. Walk from the front through the house and out the back. You are allowed to touch some of the things inside the houses, but for some of the rooms, you can only walk by. You will be amazed at how simple their lives were back then.
Casa de Lucia and Casa de Francisco & Jacinta Marto
Address: R. dos pastorinhos 86, 2495-301 Fátima, Portugal (Casa de Lucia); R. de Aljustrel 42, 2495-301 Fátima, Portugal (Casa de Francisco & Jacinta Marto)
Fatima Tour Guide
Ana Cristina Paiva
I am an australian-born Portuguese living in Lisbon since I was 8 years old. I studied Tourism and became a Licensed Guide and I absolutely love my job! The Portuguese landscape, history, food, traditions have won me over and I hope to share all this with you! I live in an historical neighborhood and believe that the best way to get to know a city is by walking. During the tours I hope to answer your questions and curiosities, proving a memorable and fun learing experience.
Tours by Ana-cristina
5. Have a trip to the world of dinosaurs at Monumento Natural das Pegadas de Dinossaurio
Did you ever want to see the footprints of the dinosaurs from very close? Your dream can come true at the Monumento Natural das Pegadas de Dinossaurio, which is situated in the village of Bairro. You will get the chance to see thousands of individual sauropod prints there. When you see the prints from a very close range and walk among the prints, you will feel that they are just amazing. Your trip to the world of dinosaurs will begin with a 20-minute video, then you can start witnessing all those prints.
Monumento Natural das Pegadas de Dinossaurio
Address: Estr. de Fátima, 2490-216 Ourém, Portugal
6. Tour the Grutas da Moeda
Grutas da Moeda, which is also known as the Coin Caves in English, were discovered for the first time by two hunters in 1971 while they were chasing a fox. Entering the caves, you will enjoy the exceptionally beautiful limestone formations. Capture the unique formations while in the caves. With the temperature of 18ºC all year round, visitors of any ages and any kinds can visit the caves anytime during the operating hours.
Grutas da Moeda
Address: R. das Grutas da Moeda, 2495-028 São Mamede, Portugal
Website: Grutas da Moeda
7. Explore Ourem Castle
Perched elegantly on the top of the hill, the Ourem Castle is worth exploring. You will need a little effort to reach the castle, but once you see the high walls of the castle, the trip will be very rewarding. The Ourem Castle used to be a Muslim fortification before it was reconquered from the Moors in 1136. The castle was then rebuilt in the 15th century and it has remained since. After you are finished exploring the castle, don’t forget to enjoy the spectacular landscape surrounding the castle.
Ourem Castle
Address: 2490-481 Ourém, Portugal
Website: Ourem Castle (in Portugese)
Your next travel destination should be Fatima
Traveling to a new place that you are completely unfamiliar with is always interesting and you should do it as often as possible. If often is not possible, do it at least once a year. If you have never visited Fatima before, then put Fatima on the list of must-visit travel destinations as the city can offer you an unforgettable vacation.
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