The Chapel of The Apparitions in Fatima is considered one of the most important Shrines in the World for Catholics, and the second most important shrine in Europe, after the Vatican.
It was here, on this place, that Our Lady appeared to the three little children in 1917, one hundred years ago.
On this exact same place, existed a tree, where Virgin Mary appeared for several times between May and October 1917.
The last apparition was seen by 70.000 people, who witnessed the miracle of the Sun, on the place that today hosts the Sanctuary. The square of the Sanctuary is two times St Peter Square in Vatican. Two of the Children (Jacinta and Francisco), have been canonized in 2017 by Pope Francis on this visit to Fatima, and are now the Youngest Saints (non-martyrs) of the Catholic Church.
The Chapel of the Apparitions was built for the first time in 1919 and finalized/opened in 1921, but one year later, 1922, republican people against the church, dinamited the chapel and totally destroyed the building.
By the end of 1922, the new chapel was rebuilt, and today is visited every year by millions of people from all over the world (2017 had 9.4 million people, on opposite to the Vatican that received 10 million visitors).
You can also visit together with the Chapel Of The Apparitions, the following places: Basilica or Our Lady of the Rosary, Most Holy Trinity Basilica, Candle Procession/Lighting, Houses of the Children, Museum of Fatima, Berlin Wall, and much more.
Fatima is located only 1h20m from Lisbon, and the most recommended way to visit is by car or doing a private tour.
Founder/Owner of The Lisbon Guide, one of the major blog references in Portugal, established in 2014 and receiving every year 250.000 visitors from all over the world, looking to provide the best experiences in Portugal. In partnership with Portugal Magik for all private tours and transfers across Portugal, Gonzalo loves a good seafood meal at Monte Mar Cascais, and all from Michelin Chef Avillez. Favorite Hotel in Lisbon/Portugal, Penha Longa Resort by Ritz Carlton.
For over 15 years, Gonzalo have been helping thousands of travelers yearly to plan a perfect trip to Portugal. Based in Lisbon/Cascais and working in this field for over 20 years, with multiple ongoing projects. Also an avid TripAdvisor user level 6 with more than 300.000 readers worldwide.
Many years working also as a Private Guide of Lisbon, Sintra, Fatima, Porto, Douro Valley, Evora, and other locations in Portugal.
