Fátima, Portugal
Sanctuary of Fátima
In 1917 three shepherd children said Mary appeared to them six times here. A crowd of 70,000 saw a strange event in the sky.
Biblical significance
Lúcia, Francisco and Jacinta reported apparitions at the Cova da Iria on the thirteenth of each month from May to October 1917. On 13 October a crowd estimated at 70,000 reported the sun spinning and plunging toward the earth. The Chapel of the Apparitions stands on the spot; the vast modern basilica faces it across an esplanade twice the size of St Peter's Square.
Scripture
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Best time to go
13 May and 13 October for the great pilgrimages.
Visitor notes
Free. Many pilgrims cross the esplanade on their knees along a marked penitential way.
Coordinates
39.6317, -8.6725
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