• Basilica of the Holy Trinity - Basílica da Santíssima Trindade

Monuments

The Church of the Most Holy Trinity is located within the Sanctuary of Fátima, opposite the Basilica. It was inaugurated in 2007, although plans had been in place since 1973. The need for a new church arose because the Basilica could not accommodate the large number of pilgrims attending services on average days.

The Church is a modern, circular, white structure, covered in a local stone known as “white of the sea.” This impressive building measures 125 meters in diameter, with no intermediate supports, and has a volume of 130,000 cubic meters. It offers 8,633 seats and can be divided into two sections by a movable partition. There are 76 seats designated for individuals with disabilities.

The architect was Greek Alexandros Tomazis, with contributions from other notable artists. For instance, the 8-meter high main door, crafted from bronze and dedicated to Christ, was created by Pedro Calapez. The painted tile panel in the atrium, depicting the Apostles Peter and Paul, is by Siza Vieira, and the 34-meter high bronze cross outside the Church is by German artist Robert Schad.

• Capela Das Aparicoes - Capela das Aparições - Fátima

ABOUT FEEDBACK FROM USERS

Capela das Aparições - Fátima

Monuments

The Chapel, at the heart of the current Fátima Sanctuary, was constructed by locals in 1919, following a request made by Our Lady during one of the apparitions.

The first mass was celebrated there in 1921.

Despite undergoing some changes for preservation and maintenance over the years, the modest chapel retains its simple hermitage-like design.

The image of Our Lady marks the location of the holm-oak tree, the site of the apparitions. The tree itself gradually disappeared as devoted believers took pieces of it. It was here that the shepherds gathered to say the rosary with other believers.

• Basilica de Nossa Senhora do Rosario de Fatima - The Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary (commonly known as the Basilica of the Rosary) is a basilica that is part of the Sanctuary of Fatima, located in Cova da Iria, Fatima, in the municipality of Ourém, Portugal.

• Valinhos Sanctuary - Today, Valinhos is visited by thousands of Portuguese and international pilgrims who follow the Via-Sacra route to the Hungarian Calvary, visit the Chapel of St. Stephen of Hungary, and then explore the House of Lucy and the House of Francis and Jacinta Marto in the village of Aljustrel.

In Valinhos, the sculptures of the Angel of Portugal and the various stations of the Via-Sacra were all created by Maria Amélia Carvalheira da Silva.

• Batalha Monastery - Monuments

Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitória (or Monastery of Batalha)

One of the most captivating sites in the Iberian Peninsula.

A pivotal event for the consolidation of the Portuguese nation occurred on August 14, 1385, near the location of the Monastery of Batalha: D. João, Master of Avis and the future king of Portugal, defeated the Castilian armies in the Battle of Aljubarrota. This victory ended a dynastic crisis that had persisted since 1383, following the death of King Ferdinand, whose only daughter was married to the King of Castile, a claimant to the Portuguese throne.

D. João dedicated the monastery to the Virgin Mary, whom he had invoked for victory, and donated it to the Dominican Order, to which his confessor belonged. This led to the creation of a work whose construction spanned nearly two centuries, resulting in one of the most remarkable Gothic monuments of the Iberian Peninsula. The monastery’s construction also symbolized the consecration of King João I as king of Portugal, thus representing the new dynasty and its divine legitimacy.

Its architectural significance and historical importance led to its classification as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.

The construction involved seven reigns of the second dynasty (1385-1580) and a large team of highly skilled master masons, both national and foreign, initially led by Afonso Domingues until his death in 1402. During this time, part of the church and the royal cloister were built. He was succeeded by Master Huguet, an Englishman, who completed the church by 1438, built the chapel of the founder, and began work on the pantheon of D. Duarte. Between 1448 and 1477, Fernão de Évora designed the cloister of D. Afonso V, and in the 16th century, Mateus Fernandes was responsible for the Unfinished Chapels.

The monastery houses the most significant collection of Portuguese medieval stained glass windows, which can be admired in the Chapel and the Chapter Hall. The central nave of the church stands at 32.5 meters and is supported by eight columns on each side. In addition to the chapels and cloisters, visitors can also explore the monastery’s dormitory, dining room, and kitchen.

The square outside was once largely occupied by the Cloister of D. João III. It was burned down during the Napoleonic Wars and demolished during renovation works in the mid-nineteenth century. In the middle of the square, a tombstone replicates the acronyms of several masons and marks the site of the old Santa Maria-a-Velha Church, the original temple where the monastery’s builders attended liturgical services.

• Farol da Nazaré - The Sítio da Nazaré offers one of the most breathtaking and expansive views of the entire Portuguese coast. Largo de Nossa Senhora da Nazaré provides one of the best vantage points over the region: you can see the Serra de Mira de Aire and Serra dos Candeeiros, as well as the entire coast from Nazaré to Peniche.

• Nazaret - Artesanato e design de Autor - Nazaré

Towns and Villages

A traditional fishing town, Nazaré is now a bustling summer resort, where tourists mingle with locals, and fish-sellers display their goods, including carapaus (horse mackerel) laid out to dry. The Sítio district, at the town’s highest point (accessible by a funicular), is undoubtedly the best viewpoint in the area. It is also associated with the cult of Our Lady of Nazaré, who, according to a 12th-century legend, was invoked by the alcaide (commander of a fortress or castle) Dom Fuas Roupinho, who, while pursuing a deer, was about to fall into an abyss with no hope of salvation. In gratitude for the mercy he received, Dom Fuas Roupinho ordered the construction of a small chapel - the Ermida de Memória. Nearby, in the 18th century, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré was built, in whose honor grand festivals are held in September.

The people of Nazaré have a deep connection with the sea, reflected in their local crafts, particularly the nets, buoys, baskets, and traditional puppets dressed in the typical costumes of seven skirts, as well as in their cuisine, which emphasizes fish and shellfish dishes, such as caldeiradas (fish casseroles), soups, açorda (a purée of bread, herbs, and garlic), and dried horse mackerel.

The most notable feature of the surrounding area is the 7th-century Chapel of São Gião, one of the rare Visigothic holy sites in Portugal.

• Obidos Village - The medieval town of Óbidos is one of the most picturesque and well-preserved in Portugal.

Located close to the capital and situated on high ground near the Atlantic coast, Óbidos has held strategic importance throughout history. It was settled before the Romans arrived in the Iberian Peninsula, and the town flourished after being chosen by the royal family. King Dinis gifted it to his wife, Queen Isabel, in the 13th century, and it became part of Casa das Rainhas (Queens’ Estate), which was improved and enriched throughout various dynasties. This is one of the main reasons for the high concentration of churches in this small area.

• Complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off
• Exclusive private tour experience
• Refresh with bottled water included
• Stay connected with onboard WiFi
• Travel comfortably in an air-conditioned minivan

• Food and drinks
• Tickets

• Dress code is smart casual
• May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
• A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
• • Comfortable walking shoes are recommended

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.