Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
demic, were beatified in 2000. Lúcia, the third witness of the apparition, entered a convent
in Coimbra in 1928, where she died in 2005. Her beatification is underway.
The
new basilica
was inaugurated in 2007, and, while impressive, has something of a
conference-centre feel. A central passageway hung with golden angels leads to a long
etched-glass window spelling out scriptural verses in dozens of languages. Twelve 9m
bronze doors run around the edges of the monumental round marble structure, each with a
Biblical quote dedicated to one of Jesus' disciples. Inside, the impersonal feel is redeemed
by Irish artist Catherine Green's striking altarpiece depicting a wild-haired and gaunt Cru-
cifixion, backed by Slovenian artist Marko Ivan Rupnik's beautiful mosaic work.
At the sanctuary entrance is a segment of the Berlin Wall, a tribute to 'God's part in the
fall of communism'. Twin wax museums on either side of the old basilica give a blow-by-
blow account of the story of Fátima; and represent 33 scenes from the life of Christ.
Masses are held roughly hourly in the basilicas or at the Capela das Apariçoes. At least
two daily are held in English; check at the information booth by the chapel.
Museu de Arte Sacra e Etnologia
( 249 539 470;
http://masefatima.blogspot.com
;
Rua Francisco Marto 52; adult/child €2.50/1.50; 10am-7pm
Tue-Sun Apr-Oct, 10am-5pm Tue-Sun Nov-Mar)
The most interesting of Fátima's several religious
exhibitions and museums, this has a wide display of religious art and artefacts from
around the world.
MUSEUM
Sleeping & Eating
There are dozens of restaurants,
pensões
(guesthouses) and pilgrim lodges amid the shops
east of the basilica, very few with any character.
Avenida de Fátima
HOTEL
€
( 249 534 171;
www.hotelavenidadefatima.com
; Av José Alves Correia da Silva; s/d €30/45; )
Modern and comfortable, with spick-and-span rooms with every contemporary comfort,
this is an excellent deal not far from the basilica. Prices are a steal for this standard, and
there are convenient family rooms available.
Residencial Aleluia
( 249 531 540;
www.residencialaleluia.com
;
Av Dr José Silva 120; s/d €35/44, breakfast €3)
As bland as
everything else in Fátima but squeaky clean and directly across from the basilica, this of-
GUESTHOUSE
€
