May
13
2012
Oct
13
2012
May
13
2013
Oct
13
2013
May
13
2014
Oct
13
2014
May
13
2015
Oct
13
2015
Reflect in holy Fatima
Not yet published by Emily Santos, Writer
Country: Portugal 
The Experience
It's an experience worthwhile. Roaming through the holy Fatima, Portugal - one of the most religious towns in the world - you can celebrate faith, pay tribute to Pope John Paul II, and light a candle in memory of a lost loved one.
Famous for the 1917 religious visions of the Blessed Mother Mary, Fatima still remains a place of great faith. It was reported that after the apparitions, millions of people flocked there, praying and hoping for miracles.
Today, nothing much has changed.
While walking through the gorgeous and breath-taking Fatima, you will still see hundreds of pilgrims in the square of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima.
Among the many historical places to visit, The Sanctuary of Basilica is a must-see. It's beautifully crafted, containing 15 church altars, all dedicated to the 15 mysteries of the Rosary and the resting place for the young visionaries. The church also features a large church organ. It was installed in 1952 and has about 12 thousand pipes. But perhaps some of the most interesting and detailed pieces are the four statues of the four great apostles. Every inch of the church has a unique and exquisite detail. So while you are wondering through, take your time. There is a lot to be seen, absorbed, and snapped.
By the time you have finished visiting the church (which can take up to three hours), it’s time to reflect. Located outside in the middle of the square is a furnace. Candles are offered to visitors and each flame burning represents a soul lost, but not forgotten.
Famous for the 1917 religious visions of the Blessed Mother Mary, Fatima still remains a place of great faith. It was reported that after the apparitions, millions of people flocked there, praying and hoping for miracles.
Today, nothing much has changed.
While walking through the gorgeous and breath-taking Fatima, you will still see hundreds of pilgrims in the square of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima.
Among the many historical places to visit, The Sanctuary of Basilica is a must-see. It's beautifully crafted, containing 15 church altars, all dedicated to the 15 mysteries of the Rosary and the resting place for the young visionaries. The church also features a large church organ. It was installed in 1952 and has about 12 thousand pipes. But perhaps some of the most interesting and detailed pieces are the four statues of the four great apostles. Every inch of the church has a unique and exquisite detail. So while you are wondering through, take your time. There is a lot to be seen, absorbed, and snapped.
By the time you have finished visiting the church (which can take up to three hours), it’s time to reflect. Located outside in the middle of the square is a furnace. Candles are offered to visitors and each flame burning represents a soul lost, but not forgotten.
When to Go
To get the full experience arrive to Fatima in the summer months, during feast days (May 13-October 13). Thousands visit the shrine on bicycles, carts, and on foot. Some visiting even will approach the shrine on their knees in repentance.
Odds n' Ends
Many flocking to the town are there to reflect and to connect with God. So it is important to dress and act respectfully.
If you're planning on visiting Fatima during the hot summer months, bring your own food and drinks because despite the busloads of tourists there every day, you will find almost no food or drinks.
If you're planning on visiting Fatima during the hot summer months, bring your own food and drinks because despite the busloads of tourists there every day, you will find almost no food or drinks.
Places to Eat
- Santa Rita
- Quality and affordable homemade food. A good wine selection (including wine without alcohol), with a varied menu to be enjoyed in a single room to feel at home in a family atmosphere, relaxed and simple.
Recommended Places to Stay
- Fatima Plaza
- The Fátima Plaza Hotel is ideally located only a few meters from the world famous Sanctuary, built to commemorate the events of 1917 when three peasant children claimed to have seen the "Virgin of the Rosary" At this Fátima hotel guests will find a warm atmosphere and privacy in the chapel, as well as modern facilities.
- Hotel Fatima
- The Fatima Hotel is the only 4 stars in Fatima and the nearest to the Sanctuary. 126 bedrooms with bath, radio, TV, direct dial telephone, minibar, central heating and air conditioning. Several rooms, the largest one for 500 persons, make it the ideal for weddings, banquets, congress, seminars, commercial meetings.
More Experiences Nearby
- Get Locked into History at the Elmina Slave Castle
- As the door slammed shut, a wave of claustrophobia enveloped the thirty-two people crammed into a dingy cell at the Elmina Castle on the Ghanaian Gold Coast. The cells here are no bigger than an average closet, and the only light which can be seen from the inside is a small square of light at the door. Everything inside the cell was black and quiet except for the breathing of those people around me. A few moments later, the door swung open and my lungs breathed in fresh air with relief. The staggering moment came when our tour guide informed ...364 miles away.
- Catch a Bird's Eye View of the Rainforest in Kakum National Park
- My heart pounds as I look over the landscape. Taking the first step is key to one of the greatest experiences I'll have in Ghana, if I can just get over the height. One deep breathe in and I'm going for it. Stepping onto the first bridge feels like freedom in the sky. It's a shaky freedom for me but freedom nonetheless. Exploring Kakum National Park in central Ghana provides an exhilarating close look at African nature. At 40 meters high in some areas, taking a canopy tour over the Kakum rainforest feels like a walk in the clouds. North ...386 miles away.
Travel Insurance. Simple & Flexible.
Language Guides
Portugese 
is one of the languages spoken in Portugal. If you know of a freely available phrase book or podcast for one of the missing languages, let us know!
Discussion
Experienced this and have something to share? Experienced something like this somewhere else? Looking for advise or travel companions? Use this space to leave your mark. Our writers and editors are more than happy to help answer your questions.
