The Virgin Mary has been evoked and invoked throughout Portugal since our founding as a country in 1143. Later, in March 1646, King John IV proclaimed Our Lady of Conception Queen of Portugal. Since then, none of the Portuguese kings or queens have worn a crown on their heads.
There are many Marian shrines, monasteries and churches dedicated to Her.
The main Sanctuary of Portugal is the Sanctuary of Fatima, in the municipality of Ourém, in the center of the country, where the Virgin Mary appeared to the three shepherd children Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta on May 13, 1917. Known as the Altar of the World, receives thousands of pilgrims throughout the year.
But there are many others. Here are some other suggestions for pilgrimages and visits in mainland Portugal and in the archipelagos of Madeira and the Azores.