Fátima

Fátima, a famous religious town in Portugal, was established in the Middle Ages and is thought to be named after a Moorish princess who converted to Christianity. It remained a small agricultural community for centuries until the reported Marian Apparitions in 1917 brought it international attention, transforming the town from a quiet rural parish into a major religious destination. On the 13th of May 1917, three local children were guarding their sheep in the Cova da Iria fields just outside of Fátima when they witnessed an ethereal apparition of a lady dressed in white. The lady indicated that she was sent by God, and she visited the children on the 13th of each month from May until October. According to their accounts, the figure, referred to as "Our Lady of Fátima", shared messages of prayer, repentance, and peace. Thousands of pilgrims were in attendance for her last apparition, known as the "Miracle of the Sun", where witnesses described the sun dancing in the sky, changing colours, and moving erratically. 

To commemorate these extraordinary events, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima (Santuário de Nossa Senhora de Fátima) was built at the site of the apparitions. Fátima now attracts millions of visitors annually, coming from all over the world. Many make the journey on foot as an act of devotion. Others visit seeking solace, spiritual renewal, or in gratitude for blessings received. Even for non-religious visitors, the serene atmosphere and strong sense of collective faith can be deeply moving.