The Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary — Basílica de Nossa Senhora do Rosário — is the older of the two great basilicas of Fátima, and the church that stands at the head of the sanctuary's prayer area.
The basilica was built between 1928 and 1953, in a Neo-Baroque style, of pale limestone. Its bell tower rises around 65 metres, topped by a crown and a cross, and long colonnades extend from it to either side, framing the great square. Inside, fifteen altars correspond to the fifteen mysteries of the Rosary, and the apparitions are depicted in the stained-glass windows.
The basilica holds the tombs of the three shepherd children of the apparitions — Francisco and Jacinta Marto, and, since her death in 2005, Lúcia dos Santos — which draw pilgrims to pray and reflect. With its tower, colonnades and broad steps down to the square, the basilica is the classic image of Fátima.
Destacados
- The older of the two basilicas of Fátima
- Neo-Baroque church built between 1928 and 1953
- A 65-metre bell tower with long colonnades
- Fifteen altars for the fifteen mysteries of the Rosary
- Holds the tombs of the three shepherd children
History & context
The Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary was built between 1928 and 1953, in a Neo-Baroque style, to commemorate the apparitions of 1917. Its bell tower rises around 65 metres. The basilica holds the tombs of the three shepherd children: Jacinta and Francisco Marto, reburied here in the early 1950s, and Lúcia dos Santos, who lived as a Carmelite nun until her death in 2005 and rests beside her cousins. It stands at the head of the sanctuary's great prayer area.
🗓️ Mejor época para visitar
Any time of year; outside the great monthly pilgrimages for a quieter visit.
⏱️ Duración
30–45 minutes
♿ Accesibilidad
Moderate. The basilica is reached by broad steps from the square; step-free access is available.
Preguntas frecuentes
When was the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary built?
It was built between 1928 and 1953, in a Neo-Baroque style, and stands at the head of the sanctuary's prayer area.
Who is buried in the basilica?
The three shepherd children of the apparitions — Francisco and Jacinta Marto, and Lúcia dos Santos — are buried here.
Can you go inside the basilica?
Yes. The basilica is open to visitors and pilgrims, with daily Mass and the tombs of the three children.