Our Lady of Fatima Shrine

Set on 16 landscaped acres in Lewiston, Our Lady of Fatima Shrine offers a peaceful and slightly surreal experience—where spiritual architecture, large-scale art, and garden design converge.

Founded in 1954 by the Barnabite Fathers, this Roman Catholic shrine centers on devotion to Our Lady of Fatima, yet welcomes visitors of all backgrounds. Even if you arrive without religious intent, the setting alone invites reflection. Marble, sky, lawn, and silence work together to create a space that feels both intimate and monumental.

What to Do

Walk the Avenue of Saints
Wander among more than 100 life-size marble statues lining the grounds. The repetition of white figures against open sky creates a striking visual rhythm—part sculpture garden, part devotional pathway.

Step Inside the Circular Basilica
The basilica is simple yet bold in form. Curved pews follow the round architecture, stained-glass windows wash the interior with color, and a glowing oculus above the altar draws the eye upward. A bronze statue of the Three Children of Fatima anchors the space beneath the dome, which rises to a 13-foot statue of Mary overhead.

See the Rosary Pool
Outside, the heart-shaped Rosary Pool is outlined with 59 lights and concludes at a marble crucifix—together forming one of the largest outdoor rosaries in the world. It is both symbolic and sculptural, especially striking at dusk.

Attend Mass or Simply Wander
While a pilgrimage destination, the shrine is equally suited for quiet wandering. Benches, lawns, and paved paths allow you to explore at your own pace.

Attend a Seasonal Celebration
Throughout the year, the shrine hosts significant religious observances and special events. The annual Festival of Lights transforms the grounds with illuminated displays, drawing visitors after dark for a very different experience of the basilica and statues.

Insider Tip

Climb the 63 steps to the top of the dome for sweeping views of the shrine grounds and the surrounding landscape. The perspective from above reveals the geometry of the basilica and the scale of the rosary layout below.

Know Before You Go

• Location: 1023 Swann Road, Lewiston, New York
• Size: 16 acres
• Admission: Free; donations appreciated
• Access: Grounds are generally open daily; basilica hours and Mass times vary seasonally
• Terrain: Primarily paved walkways with gentle inclines; dome access requires stair climbing
• Time Needed: 1–2 hours to fully explore the grounds and interior
• Official Website: fatimashrine.com

Have you visited Our Lady of Fatima Shrine in Lewiston?

I’d love to hear from you—please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.