Fatima is an offbeat choice for most visitors going to Portugal but there are some very good reason to add it to the list of places in the country. But to really understand the tiny city, we need to rewind back to a century in 1917 and find five reasons why you should add this city to your Portugal itinerary.
For its fascinating history
Fatima’s history dates back over a centuryt when three shepherd children encountered Our Lady of Fatima viz., Virgin MaryIn 1917, three shepherd children saw a vision of Mother Mary in Fatima, located in Portugal’s Centro region. Initially, they confused her with thunderstorm but subsequent appearances convinced them and others that the vision was indeed true. Ever since, believers have thronged the site, making Fatima one of the biggest religious sites in all of Europe. Few people outside of Roman Catholics know about the place though, making Fatima a religious place without too many crowds jostling for space.
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To be moved by faith
Watching long lines of devotees walk on their knees is a moving sightBecause Fatima is not overtly crowded in general, it is possible to see the dedication and devotion with which people come here. To see people of all ages crawl on their knees, murmur silent prayers and offer up their entire being to god is a moving experience. I have previously felt moved in a religious place in Asian countries – Cholon in Vietnam and temples in Hong Kong in the New Territories region.
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To admire the Basilica complex
The Fatima Sanctuary is made of two basilicas and many devoteesThe Fatima complex is divided into two major basilicas, a place to burn candles, listen to sermons and a giant installation of a rosary. The main basilica is called Basilica de Nossa Senhora do Rosario and contains the tombs of two of the shepherd children who witnessed the apparition of Our Lady of Fatima, believed to be Mother Mary by the Church in later years. Another modern basilica on the other side of the complex hosts regular sermons and prayer meetings that are free to attend and an overall experience that is not to be missed in my opinion.
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To hear sermons
At the Fatima Sanctuary, you can hear sermons in different languagesOne of the most intriguing things at the Fatima complex was hearing different pastors from all across the world take to the stage and read different verses of the Bible to the assembled congregation. To listen to different pastors in different languages speaking from the same book is an experience you have to be in the Sanctuary of Fatima to feel.
For some much-needed reflection
The entire vibe at the Fatima Sanctuary makes it a special place to visit in Portugal indeedThe best religious places are not about whom you worship once you’re there but about how they make you feel once you’re there. The peace, calm and overall vibe of a religious place goes a long way in making an experience memorable – an aspect in which the Sanctuary of Fatima excels. I spent a few hours walking along the entire complex, visiting both the basilicas and listening to pastors from France and Caribbean speaking from the Bible. In short, I simply cannot recommend Fatima enough.
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