Sanctuary of Fatima – Portugal

Fatima is an intensely religious place, on par with Lourdes in France as a pilgrim’s destination.  This small town north of Lisbon has become one of the most visited holy site in the Christian faith.

Fatima became famous in 1917 when the Virgin Mary appeared to three shepherd children of the town. Within years hundreds of thousands of believers were making pilgrimages to the town in honour of the Virgin and a magnificent cathedral was constructed.

Standing over 200-feet high the structure was consecrated in the 1950s by Pope Pius XII and now welcomes pilgrims and curious visitors. The May and October pilgrimages are the busiest time and the scene can be quite emotional as the faithful and penitents approach the shrine on their knees.

Helen