Whether you're a tourist looking for a break, or a pilgrim looking for something special, there are a few things to do in Ftima.
Moinhos Velhos Cave
Located in Fatima, Portugal, the Moinhos Velhos Cave is a great example of how an underground cave system can be part of an overall complex of galleries. It is located in the Estremadura Limestone Massif, which is an important cave system in Portugal.
The cave is also one of the largest cave systems in Portugal. This underground system is over 11 kilometers long and connects with a number of springs. The waters from these springs flow into a massive closed depression between the towns of Mira de Aire and Minde. This area is surrounded by green landscapes and sleepy villages.
The cave's interpretation centre features the geological background and some pretty cool fossils. There are also wax statues of the Virgin Mary.
The cave is part of a larger network of galleries called Pena Cave. The cave has semi-active passages and two fossil paragenetic main conduits. There are also colorful lights and stalagmites. The cave is a little over 125 miles from Lisbon.
Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary
Located on a large square, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary in Fatima was first built as a church, but it is now an official Marian shrine. The basilica has a tower that is 65 meters tall. The tower is topped with a large crystal cross.
Inside the basilica, there are 15 altars dedicated to the fifteen mysteries of the rosary. Stained glass windows depict the manna in the desert and the Last Supper. The statue of the Immaculate Heart of Mary stands 4.73 metres tall.
The Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary was designed by Gerardus Samuel van Krieken. He was a Dutch architect. He came to Portugal in 1889 to teach at the Escola Industrial Infante D. Henrique. He later settled in Porto.
Construction of the basilica began in 1928. The project was based on a contest held by the Shrine of Fatima. The winner was Alexandros Tombazis. He was selected from a group of international architects.
Way of the Little Shepherds
Visiting the Way of the Little Shepherds is one of the best things to do in Fatima. It's a great way to experience the apparitions of the Virgin Mary. This is a pilgrimage site for Catholics all over the world. Several thousand pilgrims make their way to the Sanctuary of Fatima. It's the most visited Catholic shrine in the world, and a lot of pilgrims travel for hours just to get here.
The apparitions of the Virgin Mary took place in Cova da Iria, a valley in the Fatima parish. The Virgin appeared to the three shepherd children. She asked them to pray for sinners, and to sacrifice in order to bring peace to the world. The little shepherds also received a special gift from the Angel of Peace: Holy Communion.
The main shrine in Fatima is in the town of Cova da Iria. There's also a statue of the Virgin Mary that sits on a pedestal, indicating the exact location of the apparitions.
Waxwork museum
During your visit to Fatima, Portugal you should be sure to check out the Waxwork museum. This is a museum that presents the story of Our Lady of Fatima. It is located in the city of Fatima and offers great detail. This museum is also open year-round. The museum is in Rua Jacinto Marto.
This museum has over 30 life-sized replicas of people. It tells the story of Christendom 1917 and Fatima Apparitions. Each of the figures is displayed in a different scene. The museum is in a modern building with a high level of workmanship. You should be prepared to spend at least 20 minutes in the museum.
Another great thing to see at the Waxwork museum is the Mahatma Gandhi statue. It's a simple statue that is made out of wax. There are also two other statues of Virat Kohli and Kareena Kapoor. The Waxwork museum is the only one of its kind in the world. It also has a religious wax museum that features nine famous monks in Thai history.
