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010.01 After visiting what’s left (visible) from the dinosaur age, and the beautiful limestone caves that show the age of Earth, now we return to the main attraction in the area: Fatima, the place of the apparitions, or as I like to call it: Lucky 13th [the tower of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary]
010.02 Right in the centre of today’s Portugal, there has been an apparition of the Virgin Mary, reported first by three little shepherds kids (two girls and a young boy). This occurred for the first time on May 13th and last time on October 13th of 1917 (wiki)
010.03 Actually, on the last prophecy (13th of October) no less than half a million people came to witness the miracle, including newspapers, photographers, scientists and many more...
010.04 So in 2017, we decided to come here (among other places). and we arrived right in the middle of the biggest Christian celebration. (in fact it was really hard for us to find hotel in the area, not even in Lisbon...) [inside the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary]
010.05 One month later (from our visit), the Pope itself came here for the 100 year celebration. So there were many things in preparation, but still, we found Fatima to be a very quiet place.
010.06 Another thing that I loved about this place is that it is huge and empty. No stores (in this exact place) no people selling little necklaces or anything. You can literally just walk and pray without being disturbed by what to buy next (or wish you could if you had the money)
010.07 It would be a pity for anybody to miss out coming here even if he or she has a different religion. It sure beats going to Rome where it can be far more crowded. But it is true, I came to Fatima 1 month before the huge gathering...
010.08 We advise coming here in the spring and not in the summer as there are not many places with shade.
010.09 Perhaps out of context, this photo seems to be taken at a bus station...
010.10 In front of the Holy Trinity Basilica we see the St John Paul the 2nd.
010.11 Dozens of messages in several languages. Chances are you will find also in your own language.
010.12 Inside the Holy Trinity Basilica
010.13 The Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary in the distance, and the Holy Trinity Basilica on the left.
010.14 Procession outside the Basilica
010.15 Blue sky, yellow light - the sunset over Fatima.
010.16 Wish I knew what happened with this tree but it could be just fire...
We really loved coming to Fatima, because it is one of those places that mean a great deal for those who believe in God. Also it was a peaceful stop (in our trip) that allowed us to walk without pointing the camera every 10 minutes or so.
If you can find a hotel here (there are many) it is a great idea because as you probably saw (the previous 2 articles), there are caves to be seen, two parks with dinosaur footprints and much more in the Serra de Aire region.
We did not have much luck with accommodations so we had to leave without seeing the sunset, so that we don't drive a lot in the night. And because of that we did not see the second dinosaur park...
There are no trains coming here, only busses or cabs (from Lisbon) but those don't go cheap.
Even if there are a ton of hotels in this small town, if there is a big Christian festivity, well there is no place (except Pandemic time).
Parking was for free and there are a lot of place, no worries. (most tourists come in big busses)
Kids have a huge area where they can play, except when it gets crowded.
Thank you very much for visiting this webpage and this article and hope it helped.
And if it did or did not, maybe the next one will be of more help.
MiDe.
010.17 As we were sitting in the park, eating (before getting in the car) an Eurasian hoopoe came near us, trying to find food. I tried to get closer but sadly she got scared and flew away.
