Hotel Fatima, hotel in Fátima, Portugal
The Sanctuaire Notre-Dame-de-Fátima is a large pilgrimage site in Portugal visited by believers from around the world. The grounds contain several chapels, a grand basilica with neo-baroque design, a modern circular building completed in 2007, and open squares used for gatherings and processions.
The site was founded in 1928 following reports by three children of Virgin Mary apparitions in 1917. The Basilica of Notre-Dame du Rosaire was completed in the 1950s, and the modern Basilica of the Holy Trinity was added in 2007 to accommodate growing numbers of pilgrims.
The sanctuary is a place where visitors experience traditions such as prayer, candle lighting, and processions during special occasions. On days like Christmas or the anniversary of the apparitions, large crowds gather for services, and many leave small statues, flowers, and personal items at the shrines as signs of devotion.
The sanctuary is open year-round, but becomes very crowded during important dates such as the feast of Our Lady of Fátima. Wear comfortable shoes as the grounds are extensive and exploring on foot is expected; nearby lodging is available for visitors planning to stay several days.
Two of the three children who reported the apparitions were canonized by Pope Francis in 2017, making them the youngest non-martyr saints in the church. This recognition elevated their accounts and experiences to a distinctive place in church history.
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