The Top 5 Pilgrimage Sites in Europe

Have you ever thought about taking a pilgrimage, especially after diving deep into your religion’s teachings through a resource like Deily? Then continue reading for a short list of the top five pilgrimage sites found throughout Europe. Perhaps taking one of these pilgrimages will bring you closer to God and really connect you with your spiritual self.

1.     Fatima in Portugal

A Marian apparition appeared to three peasant children back in 1917, and the Chapel of the Apparitions was built on the site where the visitations occurred. Each year since then, particularly on the days of October 13 and May 13, which mark the anniversaries for the apparitions, the streets throughout Fatima, Portugal become filled with pilgrims who have come from all over the world to visit this holy place.

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2.     Lourdes in France

Another hugely popular pilgrimage site in Europe is Lourdes, France. This is a southern town that is the site where Catholics celebrate the ascension of the Virgin Mary into Heaven. Other celebrations are also held throughout the year there, and the U.S. National Lourdes Pilgrimage is responsible for taking groups of American Catholic pilgrims to the shrine, where prayers and petitions are offered. Over seven million people visit this religious site every year.

3.     Luther Country in Germany

Martin Luther made history by starting the Protestant Reformation, so travelers today make it a point to follow in his historical footsteps within the states of Thuringia and Saxony-Anhalt. This region is called Luther Country, and sites that are related to the Reformation are found in LutherstadtEisleben, Lutherstadt Wittenberg, Erfurt, and Eisenach. Pilgrims also visit the Castle Church site, where Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses in 1517. 

4.     Assisi in Italy

Many pilgrims plan their trip to Italy not only to visit the Vatican, but also to visit Assisi, which is an Umbrian hill town that is located to the north of the city of Rome. This area is considered Saint Francis’ birthplace, and his influence is memorialized within the Basilica of San Francesco of Assisi. This has even been named a World Heritage Site, and it is one of a total of eight historic churches within this amazing area of the country.

5.     Camino de Santiago in Spain

Those seeking one of the oldest pilgrimage sites on the planet should visit the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. This is the burial site of Saint James, and it has been a pilgrimage site since the medieval era, so even if you are traveling to the area merely for the history and not for the religious experience, you can certainly appreciate its allure. The route runs right through the northern part of Spain and ends at the cathedral.

These are just a few of the many amazing pilgrimage sites that are found throughout Europe. There are many more found all over the world, and they are fantastic places to go if you want to really connect with your religion on a whole new level and show your devotion to God.