Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
as new candles); and a long smooth route on the pavement for pilgrims to approach the
chapel on their knees.
Basilica of Our Lady of Fátima
—The towering Neoclassical basilica (1928-1953) has
a 200-foot spire with a golden crown and crystal cross-shaped beacon on top. Its facade
features Mary of the Rosary, flanked by mosaics in the porticoes of the 14 Stations of the
Cross (under the statues of the four Portuguese saints). At the top of the steps, an open-
air altar, cathedra (bishop's chair), and pulpit await the next 13th of the month, when the
masses will enjoy an outdoor Mass.
Dress modestly to enter the church. Inside, huge letters arc across the ceiling above
the altar, offering up a request for Mary in Latin, “Queen of the Holy Rosary of Fátima,
pray for us.” A huge painting depicting the vision is flanked by chapels dedicated to the
Stations of the Cross, and the tombs of the children who saw the vision. Two died in the
flu epidemic that swept the world shortly after the visions. Francisco's tomb (died 1919)
is to the right of the altar. Jacinta (died 1920) and Lucia rest in a chapel to the left of the
altar. Lucia (the only one with whom Mary actually conversed) passed away at the age of
97 in 2005. She lived as a Carmelite nun near Coimbra for most of her life. The basilica
is busy with many Masses throughout each day.
Cost and Hours:
Free, daily 6:00-21:00.
ChurchoftheHolyTrinity(IgrejadaSantíssimaTrindade)
—In 2005, Pope John Paul
II began the construction of this grand new church with a stone from St. Peter's actual
tomb in the Vatican. Completed in late 2007, it can hold 9,000 devotees, 10 times the ca-
