Visit the Chapel of the Apparitions
Table of Contents
The Chapel of the Apparitions in Fatima has a unique history, connected to the Our Lady of Fatima images of three little shepherds. It is one of the most visited Christian sanctuaries in the world. With its atmosphere of peace, it attracts pilgrims and tourists from all over the world. If you are interested in history and spirituality, this place is worth a visit.
Tourist information
The Chapel of the Apparitions at Fatima is a sacred place associated with the famous Fatima apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary to three little shepherds in 1917. In 1919, just two years after the event, a chapel was built to symbolize this amazing story. The first Mass in the chapel took place on October 13, 1921.
The history of the shrine site in Portugal is closely linked to the devotion of Maria Carreira, a local resident who dedicated her life to the defence of this sacred site. In 1922, when the chapel was bombed, Maria Carreira had an image of Our Lady of Fatima at home, and it saved her life.
Although the chapel has undergone some changes over time, it has retained its original character, remaining a place of peace, penance and spirituality for many pilgrims and tourists from around the world.
Interesting Facts
The original statue of Our Lady. The statue of Our Lady of Fatima, donated in 1920, was made of Brazilian cedar and is 1 meter and 37 cm high. This statue remains one of the most significant symbols of the chapel.
Consecration and coronation. On May 13, 1920, the statue of the angel of peace Fatima was consecrated in the Church of Fatima. The solemn coronation took place on May 13, 1946, and was carried out by the papal legate Cardinal Bento Aloisi Macella. This event reinforced the religious significance of the chapel and attracted even more pilgrims.
Golden Crown. The Golden Crown was donated by a group of Portuguese women on October 13, 1942, in gratitude for Portugal’s neutrality in World War II. This crown weighs 1,200 grams and is decorated with 313 pearls and 2,679 precious stones. It also contains a bullet offered by Pope John Paul II in gratitude to the Virgin Mary for saving him from an assassination attempt in 1981.
Pope Francis’ silence. During World Youth Day on August 5, 2023, Pope Francis dedicated a prayer to Our Lady of Fatima at the feet of the statue in the chapel. This action was a call for peace and an end to wars around the world. If you don’t know what to do in Fatima Portugal, this option is a great opportunity.
Open Hours
The Chapel of Apparitions is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, without interruption, and is open to the public at any time of the day. To ensure the safety of the site and pilgrims, video surveillance and security guards are always on duty at the chapel. This provides visitors with the assurance that they can visit the sacred site at any time without worrying about their safety.
Tickets
Entrance to the Chapel of Apparitions is absolutely free. There is no need to purchase tickets to visit this sacred place.
Address
Address: Cova de Iria Ourém 2496-908.
How to get to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima
To get to the Chapel of Apparitions in Fatima, you can rent a car from Lisbon or organize a private tour, which usually takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. For traveling by car, it is better to take the route via the A1. It is also possible to reach Fatima by bus, which runs regularly from Lisbon and other major cities in Portugal.
Some tour operators also offer to organize bus tours to Fatima. If you prefer the train, you should first go to the train station in Fatima and then take a cab or bus to the Chapel of Apparitions.
