Fatima and Catholic Heritage Sites in Portugal

Fatima is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in Europe, a place of intense devotion around the celebrated site of the appearance of the Blessed Mother to Jacinta, Francisco and Lucia.  Catholics from around the world come here to seek healing and renewal.  Fatima makes a good base for visits to a number of nearby Catholic heritage sites, making a pilgrimage to this part of Portugal accessible and inspiring.  Some highlights include Tomar (the Knights Templar convent-fortress of Convento de Cristo), the Dominican Abbey of Santa Maria de Vitoria at Batalha (a masterpiece of gothic architecture), and the great Mosteiro de Santa Maria in Alcobaca, the largest church in Portugal.

Other nearby sites of interest include Leiria – a favorite with tourists who meander through its picturesque streets and under its castle, Obidos – a hilltown with whitewashed houses and 14th century walls, and several beaches and ports along the blue sea.  Lisbon offers unparalleled opportunities to explore both Catholic heritage sites (the birthplace of St. Anthony) and historic sites associated with the Portuguese explorers.  Throughout the region, it is possible to explore the heritage of Catholic and Muslim interaction as this region had once belonged to the Moors.

Program Objectives

Celebrate Visionary Men and Women of Faith

Walk in the footsteps of visionary men and women of faith in places like Fatima, Tomar and Alcobaca – where faith is expressed in graceful abbeys, cathedrals and shrines and where the faithful continue to come to participate in devotions and processions of healing, renewal and celebration. Groups can plan their own exclusive devotions as well as participate in public celebrations.

Discover Artistic and Cultural Heritage of the Portuguese

Portugal is often overlooked by its larger European neighbors.  Portugal has nurtured great universities (Coimbra), world-reknowned architects (as evidenced in Batalha, Alcobaca, Tomar and Lisbon), local artisans (in its world famous ceramics) and scientists and explorers who advanced the navigation and knowledge of the oceans and continents.  Visit these sites in and around Lisbon and Fatima and learn about the spirit and vision of this great people. 

Savor the Warmth, Hospitality and Cuisine of the Portuguese

The Portuguese are a warm and hospitable people, eager to welcome you and share the rich heritage of their land.  They have a rich and creative cuisine that has developed over the ages to include savory seafood, grilled meats, aged cheeses, and satisfying deserts.

Venues


Affordable and relaxing programs are available basing groups in Fatima or nearby Leiria and visiting Catholic heritage sites (all within ½-hour of Fatima) – such as Tomar, Batalha, Alcobaca, Leiria and Obidos.  Several nights in Lisbon at the beginning or end of the program allows for visits to unique neighborhoods such as Alfama, Castel Sao Jorge, and Belen.  During warm seasons, visits to beaches/seaside resorts are also possible as short side-excursions from Fatima.

Longer pilgrimages and itineraries can include a visit to Santiago de Compostela (in northwestern Spain) with stops en route at Coimbra, Porto, Guimares, and Braga.

Combine a program to Portugal with an exploration of sites in southern Spain and the heritage of Three Faiths:  Visit Toledo, Granada, Cordoba, Sevilla and Girona where the faith heritage of Jews, Muslims and Christians are preserved.  Explore the history of how these traditions have interacted in Spain - in some instances positively; in others, with more conflict.

Contact us for more information or to begin a process of designing a program for your group.