Fátima, Religious pilgrimage center in Santarém, Portugal
Fátima is a city within the municipality of Ourém in central Portugal, spreading across gentle hills covered with pine forests and farmland. The two basilicas face each other across a large open square, creating a religious complex surrounded by gardens, pathways, and accommodation buildings that serve visitors year-round.
Three shepherd children reported repeated appearances of the Virgin Mary in 1917 on a grazing field, prompting church investigations that concluded with official recognition in 1930. Construction of the first basilica began in 1928 and quickly drew pilgrims from across Europe, transforming the former hamlet into an international religious center.
Pilgrims often walk the final approach to the sanctuary on their knees as a sign of devotion, following a tradition that has developed since the earliest visits. Candles brought by visitors are collected and later melted down, with proceeds supporting charitable works across Portugal.
Most visitors arrive by bus from Lisbon or Porto, with journeys taking around two hours from either city. Accommodation options range from simple guesthouses to larger hotels, most within walking distance of the sanctuary, making it easy to move around on foot.
Around 10 kilometers away, limestone formations contain well-preserved dinosaur tracks that often surprise visitors who associate the area solely with religious pilgrimage. The prints date from the Jurassic period and show different species of sauropods that once walked through this region.
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