Fatima Tours from Lisbon Visite sanctuary of fatima

Fátima Batalha Nazaré Óbidos Tour Itinerary

• 1 Sanctuary of Fatima

  The Sanctuary of Fátima, also known as the Shrine of Our Lady of Fátima, is one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world. It is located in the town of Fátima in central Portugal and attracts millions of visitors, including pilgrims and tourists, every year.
  
  The sanctuary gained international significance after three shepherd children—Lucia dos Santos and her cousins Francisco and Jacinta Marto—reported apparitions of the Virgin Mary in 1917. The Virgin Mary, according to the children, appeared to them six times between May 13 and October 13, 1917. The final apparition, known as the Miracle of the Sun, witnessed by thousands of people, is one of the most famous events associated with the sanctuary.
  
  Today, the Sanctuary of Fátima consists of several key elements:
  
  Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary: Built in 1928, this basilica is one of the main religious buildings in the sanctuary. It houses the tombs of the three shepherd children and features a large open plaza in front where religious ceremonies take place.
  
  Chapel of the Apparitions: This small chapel marks the exact spot where the Virgin Mary is believed to have appeared to the children. It is a focal point for pilgrims who come to pray and leave offerings.
  
  Basilica of the Holy Trinity: Constructed in 2007, this modern basilica can accommodate thousands of worshippers. It is dedicated to the Holy Trinity and serves as another important religious space within the sanctuary.
  
  The Way of the Cross: A series of sculptures depicting the Stations of the Cross leads pilgrims on a spiritual journey through the sanctuary grounds.
  
  The Chapel of Reconciliation: This chapel offers the sacrament of reconciliation (confession) to pilgrims seeking spiritual renewal and forgiveness.
  
  The Sanctuary of Fátima is not only a place of religious devotion but also a symbol of peace, hope, and unity for people of various faiths around the world. It continues to be a significant pilgrimage destination, particularly during the anniversary of the apparitions on May 13 and October 13 each year.

  • Time to attend Mass at the Sanctuary: Estimated time: 11:00
• 2 Batalha Monastery

  The fatima tour then proceeds to the city of BATALHA where we will visit the BATALHA MONASTERY. One of the most fascinating places in the Iberian Peninsula.
  The Batalha Monastery, also known as the Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitória, is an iconic medieval monastery located in the town of Batalha, Portugal. It is one of the most important Gothic masterpieces in Portugal and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  
  Construction of the monastery began in 1386 under the reign of King John I of Portugal as a commemoration of the Portuguese victory against the Castilians at the Battle of Aljubarrota in 1385. The monastery was intended to serve as a pantheon for the ruling Aviz dynasty and as a symbol of national pride.
  
  The Batalha Monastery is renowned for its impressive architectural style, blending elements of late Gothic, Manueline, and Renaissance architecture. Its most notable features include:
  
  Unfinished Chapels: The Royal Cloister features several chapels, including the Unfinished Chapels, which were intended to serve as the final resting place for members of the royal family. The chapels feature intricate sculptural decorations and beautiful stained glass windows.
  
  Founder's Chapel: Located within the monastery, the Founder's Chapel houses the tomb of King John I of Portugal and his wife, Queen Philippa of Lancaster. The chapel is adorned with elaborate Gothic decorations and is considered one of the most significant examples of medieval Portuguese art.
  
  Manueline Portal: The main entrance of the monastery is adorned with a stunning Manueline portal, characterized by its intricate stone carvings depicting various maritime motifs, such as ropes, knots, and sea monsters. This portal is a masterpiece of Manueline architecture, a style unique to Portugal during the Age of Discovery.
  
  Chapter House: The Chapter House is another highlight of the monastery, featuring a magnificent ribbed vault ceiling and an intricately carved central column. It served as the meeting place for the monks and is adorned with decorative elements symbolizing the Order of Saint Jerome.
  
  The Batalha Monastery is not only a symbol of Portugal's rich cultural and architectural heritage but also a testament to the country's victory in one of its most significant historical battles. It continues to attract visitors from around the world who marvel at its stunning architecture and historical significance.

• 3 Nazaré

  Nazaré is a picturesque fishing village located on the Atlantic coast of Portugal, approximately 120 kilometers north of Lisbon. It is known for its stunning beaches, rich fishing traditions, and towering ocean waves, making it a popular destination for both tourists and surfers. The village of Nazaré is divided into two main areas:
  
  Praia (Beach) da Nazaré: This area is characterized by its beautiful sandy beach, which stretches along the coastline. The beach is divided into two sections: Praia do Norte (North Beach) and Praia da Nazaré (South Beach). Praia do Norte is famous for its gigantic waves, particularly during the winter months when it attracts big wave surfers from around the world. These waves are generated by the unique underwater topography known as the Nazaré Canyon, which amplifies the swells.
  
  Sítio: Sítio is the historic and cultural heart of Nazaré, perched atop a cliff overlooking the beach. It is accessible by a funicular railway or by a winding road. Sítio is characterized by its narrow streets, traditional whitewashed houses adorned with colorful stripes, and stunning panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. At the top of the cliff, visitors can find the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré (Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Nazaré), which is a popular pilgrimage site. Legend has it that in the 12th century, a nobleman hunting in the area was saved from a fatal fall by the intervention of the Virgin Mary, leading to the construction of the sanctuary.
  
  Other attractions in Nazaré include its vibrant fish market, where locals sell fresh seafood caught by the town's fishermen, and the lively promenade lined with restaurants, cafes, and shops offering local crafts and souvenirs. Overall, Nazaré is a charming village that offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and authentic Portuguese coastal life. Whether you're seeking adventure on the waves or simply looking to relax and soak in the scenic surroundings, Nazaré has something to offer for everyone.

• 4 Praia do Norte Nazaré

  Praia do Norte is a renowned beach located in Nazaré, Portugal, known worldwide for its massive waves, particularly during the winter months. It has gained international fame as one of the most challenging and awe-inspiring surfing spots on the planet.
  
  The impressive waves at Praia do Norte are primarily a result of the underwater Nazaré Canyon, which funnels and amplifies the incoming swells, creating waves that can reach staggering heights. These waves attract big wave surfers from around the globe who come to test their skills and courage in the face of nature's raw power.
  
  One of the defining features of Praia do Norte is the "Nazaré Tow Surfing Challenge," an annual big wave surfing competition organized by the World Surf League. During the event, surfers are towed into the massive waves by jet skis to tackle the towering walls of water.
  
  Praia do Norte also gained widespread attention in 2011 when Hawaiian surfer Garrett McNamara set a world record for riding the largest wave ever surfed, measured at approximately 78 feet (24 meters) high.
  
  Aside from its reputation as a surfing mecca, Praia do Norte offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding coastline, making it a popular destination for spectators and tourists as well. However, it's essential to exercise caution when visiting the beach, especially during periods of large swells, as the powerful waves can be dangerous even for experienced surfers.
  
  Overall, Praia do Norte in Nazaré is a must-visit destination for surf enthusiasts and nature lovers seeking an unforgettable experience amidst the raw beauty and power of the ocean.

• 5 Vila de Óbidos

  The Fátima Tour then proceeds to ÓBIDOS, the last stage of the Tour. The medieval village of Óbidos is one of the most picturesque and best preserved in Portugal.
  Óbidos is a charming medieval village located in central Portugal, approximately 85 kilometers north of Lisbon. It is renowned for its well-preserved historic center, surrounded by medieval walls and crowned by a picturesque castle. Óbidos is often referred to as one of Portugal's "jewels" due to its romantic atmosphere, cobblestone streets, and whitewashed houses adorned with colorful flowers. Key features and attractions of Óbidos include:
  
  Óbidos Castle: The centerpiece of the village is the Óbidos Castle, a medieval fortress that dates back to the 12th century. It is located at the highest point of the village and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The castle has been converted into a luxurious hotel, allowing visitors to stay overnight within its historic walls.
  
  Medieval Walls: Óbidos is surrounded by well-preserved medieval walls, which encircle the entire village. Visitors can walk along the walls and enjoy stunning views of the village below, as well as the surrounding countryside.
  
  Cobblestone Streets: The streets of Óbidos are narrow and winding, paved with cobblestones and lined with traditional whitewashed houses. The village is known for its romantic atmosphere and is a popular destination for couples seeking a romantic getaway.
  
  Obidos Medieval Festival: Every summer, Óbidos hosts a medieval festival that attracts visitors from all over Portugal and beyond. During the festival, the village is transformed into a medieval marketplace, with costumed performers, jousting tournaments, and traditional food and drink.
  
  Ginja de Óbidos: Ginja de Óbidos is a famous Portuguese liqueur made from sour cherries, sugar, and alcohol. Visitors to Óbidos can sample this traditional drink at several establishments throughout the village.
  
  Overall, Óbidos is a delightful destination that offers visitors a step back in time to the medieval era, with its well-preserved architecture, romantic ambiance, and rich cultural heritage. It is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the beautiful countryside of central Portugal.