Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Fátima

In the picturesque city of Zacatecas, which graces the central part of Mexico, lies one of the region's most elegant religious structures — the Our Lady of Fatima Parish (Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Fátima). This modern temple, built in a refined Neogothic style, is considered a true architectural gem thanks to its unique appearance and wonderfully serene atmosphere.

The building is constructed from the famous local stone — pink and orange cantera. This material gives the facade warm, almost glowing hues that become especially vibrant in the rays of the setting sun. The church's design follows classic Gothic canons: here you will see slender arches, buttresses, flying buttresses, and a majestic central tower adorned with exquisite stained-glass rose windows.

Inside, the parish is no less impressive than it is on the outside. The interior, shaped like a Latin cross, is decorated with intricate wood carvings and numerous stained-glass windows that create a rainbow glow in the daylight. The main shrine and artistic centerpiece of the church is a majestic sculpture of the Virgin of Fatima, which stands over 3.5 meters tall, making it one of the most impressive in the diocese.

For more information regarding service schedules or guided tours, you can use the contact details provided below. It is recommended to call ahead if you plan to visit during holidays.

Start your visit to the church with a careful inspection of the facade. It is best to come here during the "golden hour" before sunset, when the pink cantera begins to literally glow, and the sun's rays, passing through the stained glass, create a fantastic play of orange and blue light inside. This is the perfect moment for artistic photography; just remember to maintain silence and show respect for the worshippers.

Once inside, be sure to look up at the dome and the rose windows of the tower. The detailed stained-glass windows tell biblical stories and the history of the Virgin Mary's apparition to the shepherd children in Portugal. The focal point is the monumental statue of Our Lady of Fatima, weighing about 2 tons, which is striking for its scale and fine craftsmanship.

Don't forget to look into the side chapels: one is dedicated to the Virgin of Guadalupe, the patroness of Mexico, and the other to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Many visitors note that, despite its relative youth, the church offers a feeling of "another world" and deep inner peace. Here you can simply sit on the wooden pews, enjoying the silence and the majestic architecture.

This architectural masterpiece is located in the southern part of the city, in the prestigious Colonia Sierra de Alica. The exact address is De Fátima 110. Although the church is not right in the heart of the historic center, it is easy to reach: a trip from the Cathedral takes only about 10–15 minutes.

The most convenient way to get there is by taxi or Uber. The ride is inexpensive, and drivers know the location well. If you prefer public transport, choose bus routes heading south. For those who enjoy walking, the journey from the center takes about 25–30 minutes.

For those traveling by rental car, parking spaces are available near the parish. Follow your GPS toward the modern residential blocks surrounding this area to quickly find the building.

The history of this site began in 1950, when it was decided to build a new spiritual center in the recently established Sierra de Alica district. The project was timed to coincide with the city's 400th anniversary, initiated by Father Manuel de la Oss with the active support of local residents, who raised funds for the construction bit by bit.

Interestingly, the project was designed by the famous architect Dámaso Muñetón — the same master who designed the second tower of the city’s famous Cathedral. He was assisted by the talented engineer José Luis Amezcua Sahagún. However, due to a lack of funding, the construction of the church turned into a long-term project that spanned 50 years.

The construction was only completed in 2000, which became a deeply symbolic event: it was the 100th anniversary of the apparitions of the Virgin in Fatima. The solemn consecration of the church was conducted by Bishop Fernando Mario Chávez Ruvalcaba on May 13, 2000, turning the building into a living monument to the perseverance and faith of the local community.

To leisurely explore the interiors and admire the exterior architecture, 45–60 minutes is sufficient for most travelers. This is enough time to study the stained glass windows, view the main statue, and take a few memorable photos.

If you wish to attend a Mass or simply sit in silence, enjoying the play of light in the naves, you should set aside about an hour and a half. The church has a remarkably peaceful energy that invites a longer stay than a typical sightseeing stop.

Official visiting hours may vary depending on the church calendar and holiday masses. Generally, the doors are open to parishioners and tourists throughout the daylight hours; however, access to the interior may be limited during weddings or funeral services.

For the most up-to-date information on opening hours and service times, we recommend checking locally or visiting the official resources of the Diocese of Zacatecas before your visit.

Zacatecas is a city with an incredible concentration of historical monuments, so after visiting the parish, it is worth spending some time exploring the surrounding area. A short walk will allow you to see ancient engineering structures and immerse yourself in the colonial atmosphere.

Many interesting locations are within walking distance, including the famous streets and squares that make this region unique.