MyPortugalHoliday.com
The best independent guide to Central Portugal
MyPortugalHoliday.com
The best independent guide to Central Portugal
Fatima is one of Christianity's most revered pilgrimage sites and draws millions of visitors annually to witness where the Virgin Mary appeared to three shepherd children in 1917. This once-quiet Portuguese town has transformed into a magnificent religious sanctuary, featuring two grand basilicas and the humble Chapel of Apparitions marking the exact location of the miraculous events.
These four interactive maps will guide you through every aspect of your visit – from the sacred sites within the sanctuary to comfortable accommodations and regional attractions. Each map includes detailed descriptions to help both religious pilgrims and cultural tourists plan a meaningful journey.
Related article: Introduction to Fatima
This map highlights the key religious and historical sites across Fatima. It also includes lesser-known areas, ideal for spiritual reflection and tranquillity away from the often crowded main sites. (Note: zoom in or out to see all points)
Legend: 1) Capelinha das Aparições 2) Basílica de Nossa Senhora do Rosário 3) Basílica da Santíssima Trindade 4) Casa da Lúcia 5) Casa de Jacinta e Francisco Marto 6) Poço do Arneiro 7) Valinhos via sacra 8) Loca do Cabeço 9) Calvário Húngaro 10) Monumento aos Três Pastorinhos 11) Museu de Cera de Fátima 12) Museu Interativo 13) Museu do Santuário de Fátima 14) Museu Vida de Cristo 15) Igreja Matriz de Fátima
Capelinha das Aparições (Chapel of the Apparitions)
This simple yet profound chapel marks the exact location where Our Lady of Fátima appeared to the three shepherd children in 1917, serving as the spiritual heart of the entire sanctuary.
Basílica de Nossa Senhora do Rosário (Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary)
This neo-baroque basilica, completed in 1953, stands as the original church of the sanctuary and houses the tombs of Francisco, Jacinta, and Lucia, the three visionaries of Fátima.
Basílica da Santíssima Trindade (Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity)
Completed in 2007, this modern architectural marvel is one of the largest Catholic churches in the world, capable of seating 8,633 worshippers in its contemporary circular design.
Casa da Lúcia (Lucia's House)
This modest home-turned-museum preserves the childhood residence of Sister Lucia, offering visitors a glimpse into the humble beginnings of the longest-living Fátima visionary.
Casa de Jacinta e Francisco Marto
The preserved childhood home of the two younger shepherd children provides an authentic window into the simple, rural life of the young visionaries who would become the youngest non-martyred saints in Catholic history.
Poço do Arneiro (Arneiro Well)
Located in what was once Lucia's family garden, this well marks the site of the second apparition of the Angel of Peace to the three shepherd children.
Valinhos via sacra (Valinhos Way of the Cross)
This peaceful pathway features fourteen stations of the cross, leading pilgrims through the Hungarian Calvary along the route the shepherd children often took with their flocks.
Loca do Cabeço
This natural grotto marks the location where the Angel of Portugal first appeared to the three children in 1916, preparing them for the future Marian apparitions.
Calvário Húngaro
A dramatic representation of Christ's crucifixion and dedicated to persecuted Christians, particularly those from Hungary. This site offers a place for reflection and prayer along the Valinhos way.
Monumento aos Três Pastorinhos
This touching bronze sculpture depicts the three young shepherds in a moment of prayer, commemorating their role in spreading the message of Fátima.
Museu de Cera de Fátima (Fátima Wax Museum)
Through detailed wax figures and scenes, this museum brings to life the story of the apparitions and the history of Fátima in striking visual detail. This is the best museum in Fatima.
Museu Interativo (Interactive Museum)
This modern museum uses multimedia and interactive displays to engage visitors in learning about the message and miracles of Fátima.
Museu do Santuário de Fátima
Housing numerous artifacts and ex-votos related to the apparitions.
Museu Vida de Cristo (Life of Christ Museum)
Through various artistic representations, this museum presents the life of Jesus Christ from birth to resurrection, providing context for the spiritual significance of Fátima.
Igreja Matriz de Fátima (Parish Church of Fátima)
This historic parish church, where the three shepherd children were baptized.
Finding the right place to stay in Fatima is crucial for a peaceful pilgrimage experience. This interactive map shows hotels, guesthouses, and religious housing options across the city, with most accommodation concentrated within walking distance of the Sanctuary.
The peak season (May-October) sees higher rates and limited availability, so early booking is recommended, especially during major celebrations and feast days.
We've partnered with Booking.com to provide an up-to-date map of hotels and other accommodation options in Fatima. You can adjust the dates to see current prices and availability for your specific travel period.
Booking.comThe region surrounding Fatima offers a rich variety of cultural and historical attractions, all easily accessible by car. From the magnificent Batalha Monastery, to the ancient Castle of Ourém and the historic Templar city of Tomar, visitors will find many compelling reasons to explore beyond Fatima itself. Most sites are within a 30-minute drive from Fatima, making them perfect for half-day excursions during your stay.
Travel Tip: While Fatima is perfect for pilgrims, Tomar serves as a better base for general tourists exploring the region, offering more amenities and attractions. Our guide to Tomar can be read here.
Legend: 1) Grutas da Moeda 2) Castelo de Ourém 3) Mosteiro da Batalha 4) Pegadas de Dinossáurios 5) Tomar 6) Convento de Cristo 7) Grutas de Mira de Aire 8) Grutas de Santo António 9) Mosteiro de Alcobaça 10) Praia Fluvial do Agroal 11) Castelo de Porto de Mós 12) Praia fluvial dos Olhos de Água 13) Castelo de Leiria 14) Óbidos 15) Salinas de Rio Maior 16) São Martinho do Porto 17) Nazaré
Grutas da Moeda (Caves)
A spectacular limestone cave system discovered in 1971, featuring dramatic formations, underground pools, and professionally guided tours.
Castelo de Ourém (Castle)
A medieval hilltop castle offering panoramic views of the region, with roots dating back to the 12th century and strong connections to Portuguese independence.
Mosteiro da Batalha (Batalha Monastery)
A masterpiece of Gothic architecture and UNESCO World Heritage site, built to commemorate Portugal's victory at the Battle of Aljubarrota.
Pegadas de Dinossáurios (Dinosaur Footprints)
Natural monument featuring well-preserved dinosaur tracks from the Middle Jurassic period, offering a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric Portugal.
Tomar
A historic city famous for its Templar heritage, charming town center, and significant role in Portuguese history.
Convento de Cristo (Convent of Christ)
A UNESCO World Heritage site in Tomar, this former Knights Templar headquarters showcases stunning architectural evolution across several centuries.
Grutas de Mira de Aire (Caves)
Portugal's largest cave system, featuring spectacular formations and an underground river across multiple levels.
Grutas de Santo António (Caves)
Beautiful cave system known for its distinctive limestone formations and carefully planned lighting that enhances its natural beauty.
Mosteiro de Alcobaça (Alcobaça Monastery)
A UNESCO World Heritage site and masterpiece of Cistercian Gothic architecture, home to the tragic love story of Pedro and Inês.
Praia Fluvial do Agroal (River Beach)
A peaceful river beach surrounded by limestone cliffs, offering a refreshing escape in natural surroundings.
Castelo de Porto de Mós (Porto de Mós Castle)
A distinctive green-tiled castle showcasing unique Portuguese military architecture with spectacular views of the region.
Praia fluvial dos Olhos de Água (River Beach)
A natural swimming area fed by freshwater springs, popular for its clear waters and peaceful setting.
Castelo de Leiria (Castle)
An imposing medieval castle with significant historical importance, offering panoramic views of Leiria city.
Óbidos
A perfectly preserved medieval walled town famous for its narrow streets, traditional white houses, and historic castle.
Salinas de Rio Maior (Rio Maior Salt Pans)
Unique inland salt pans that have been in continuous use since medieval times, offering insight into traditional salt production.
São Martinho do Porto
A charming seaside town with a shell-shaped bay, perfect for families due to its calm waters and scenic beauty.
Nazaré
Famous fishing town known for its massive waves, traditional culture, and funicular connecting the beach to the historic Sítio neighbourhood.
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