About Valinhos, Portugal:
Valinhos Sanctuary (or Valinhos) is a key pilgrimage site associated with the apparitions of Our Lady of Fátima . It lies on the outskirts of Fátima, in a rural countryside area of olive trees and holm oaks, and forms part of the broader Sanctuary of Fátima complex.
The first and third apparitions occurred here in 1916 (at Loca do Cabeço or Loca do Anjo). The angel taught the children prayers emphasizing sacrifice, reparation, and adoration of the Holy Trinity.
The fourth Apparition of Our Lady took place on August 19, 1917, the Virgin Mary appeared to the children in Valinhos (between the 8th and 9th stations of the Via Sacra). This followed the children being prevented by authorities from attending the scheduled apparition at Cova da Iria on August 13.
Places of interest in Valinhos, Portugal:
Valinhos is a place of prayer, reflection, and pilgrimage, evoking the simple rural life of the seers. The Via Sacra (Way of the Cross (Caminho dos Pastorinhos) is a paved path following the route the shepherd children often took from Aljustrel to Cova da Iria. It includes 14 stations representing the Passion of Christ, plus a 15th station (Resurrection). The path is lined with olive trees and wildflowers, offering a peaceful, introspective walk.
Hungarian Calvary (Calvário Húngaro or Santo Estêvão Chapel): At the end of the Via Sacra, this chapel is dedicated to St. Stephen (Hungary’s patron). The stations and chapel were donated by Hungarian Catholic refugees after the 1956 Soviet invasion. The 15th station was added later.
Monument of Our Lady: Marks the exact spot of the August 19, 1917, apparition.
Loca do Anjo (or Loca do Cabeço): Site of the angel apparitions, with statues of the three children.
Nearby: Houses of the seers in Aljustrel (including Lúcia’s house, open as a museum) and other related sites like Arneiro’s Well.
The area is preserved and serene, ideal for prayer and walking meditation.Visiting InformationLocation: Rua dos Valinhos, 2495-301 Fátima, Portugal (near Aljustrel, a short distance from the main Fátima Sanctuary).
Traveling to Valinhos, Portugal:
Valinhos complements the larger Sanctuary of Fátima (with the Basilica and Cova da Iria) by focusing on the more intimate, countryside aspects of the apparitions. It remains a popular stop for pilgrims seeking peace and spiritual connection. It is reachable by foot from the main sanctuary or Aljustrel, or by car/tour. Many pilgrims walk the Via Sacra as an act of devotion. It is a place for quiet reflection, photography of the landscape, and connecting with the Fátima story. Guided tours of Fátima often include Valinhos.