Fátima is a city that belongs to the municipality of Ourém, in Santarém, located in the middle of the Maciço Calcário Estremenho, in the foothills of the Serra de Aire
The parish of Fátima was founded in 1568, after its breakdown of the Colegiada de Ourém. Until 1917, Fátima was an unknown village that was born in an open country, focused on pastoralism and rainfed agriculture. It became known worldwide for its Marian apparitions to the three little shepherds that took place between May 13th and October 13th, 1917.
About a kilometer from Fátima, is Aljustrel, the small village where the three little shepherds were born. To the west, near Aljustrel, rises Loca do Cabeço, a tiny cluster of rocks where, in 1916, the Angel appeared twice to the three shepherds.
Two kilometers west of Fátima, there is one of the many depressions called Cova da Iria, the place where Our Lady appeared five times to the visionaries. In another small valley called Valinhos, between Aljustrel and Loca do Cabeço, is the place, where the Virgin also appeared once.
The construction of the Sanctuary of Fátima brought development to the place, managing to be elevated to the city on 12 July 1997.The enclosure of the Sanctuary of Fátima transmits an atmosphere of serenity and light, inviting prayer, reflection and harmony of spirit. Regardless of religious belief, no one is indifferent to the universe of tranquility and faith that you find there.
