Lisbon Blog

Secrets of our Lady of  Fatima

Spiritual tourism has enjoyed a boom in recent years. Pilgrimage cities like Santiago de Compostela in Spain, the Vatican in Italy or Fatima in Portugal are popular destinations among Catholic travellers who are attracted because of mysticism.

The story of Fatima’s Miracle goes back to 1917, when three shepherds of the area had an apparition of the Virgin in the Cova de Iria. Today, you’ll find the small Aparições Chapel here. After the miracle being repeated throughout five months, the last apparition was made last October before the eyes of 70,000 pilgrims.

Now considered a holy city, in 1928 a huge basilica in neo-baroque style was built that has become the most important worship centre of Portugal with more than seven million visitors per year. In the course of time, a huge square has been constructed in front of the Basilica. This is the congregation place for thousands of pilgrims on special dates. In this square statues are erected in honour of Popes Paul VI and Pius XII. There are also several museums to visit: Fatima’s Wax Museum, Fatima’s Sacred Ethnology Art Museum or the 1917 apparitions Museum…

The travellers who want to learn more about the miracle of Fatima can hire one of the guided tours which will take you through the sanctuary and the Holy Church and explain in detail what happens.

In tribute to the very first appearance, every year on the night of May 12th the largest pilgrimage to the city takes place. This way, at ten o’clock in the evening, a procession with candles takes place across the sanctuary where thousands of pilgrims illuminate this night of the virgin of Fatima. Once in the Basilica, a huge bonfire is lit to honour the Virgin.

SPECIAL EASTER PROGRAM IN FATIMA

Palm Sunday concert

Sunday April 5th, 15:00

The Holy Trinity Church hosts the “Passion of Christ according to Saint John”, by Antonio Ferreira dos Santos, with the Porto da Lapa Choir.

Free entrance

Easter Concert

Sunday 12th April, 15:00

The Das Beiras Philharmonic Orchestra together with the Regina Caeli Choir will hold a concert in the Paul VI Pastoral amphitheatre.

Program:

- Stabat Mater, by Pergolesi
- “In tempore Belli” Mass, by Josef Haydn

Free entrance

Find out why Fatima has become a sacred city. Travel to Portugal and rent your Apartment in Lisbon for the best accommodation in the Portuguese capital.

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