The working group “Shrines of Europe“ was founded in 1996 and is uniting Europe ́s principle Marian pilgrimage sites: Altötting, Czestochowa, Lourdes, Loreto and Fátima. A few years later the Austrian pilgrimage center Mariazell joined the group. The youngest member of the association is Einsiedeln, the most important place of pilgrimage in Veneration of the Virgin Mary in Switzerland (2017). The importance of these great Marian Shrines was emphasized by the visits of the last European Popes John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI. Being great devotees of Mary they each visited these shrines during their time in office. All these places have one thing in common: they provide spiritual consolation and new strength for living.
On this website you will find information about each of the Shrines of Europe, the important contact details and suggestions for round trips combining the most important places for pilgrims in veneration of the Virgin Mary in Europe.
Experience Europe in the footsteps of the pilgrims!
Since yesterday, the Catholic Church has been in mourning. On April 21, 2025, Pope Francis died. Today, we recall the pilgrimages to the cities of the Shrines of Europe that the Holy Father made during his pontificate.
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Dear Friends, On the occasion of Easter, we wish you joy, peace and many smiles during the first days of spring. May this special time be the beginning of new energy, inspiration and positive plans - also those related to travel!
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March was an exceptionally busy month for the partners of the Shrines of Europe Association. A lot was happening because we wanted to be present at the most important industry events in the field of tourism organized this month in Portugal. And you know what? We did it! We invite you to read the report from participation in the 12th edition of the International Workshop on Religious Tourism in Fatima and in the Better Tourism Lisbon tourism fair in the capital of Portugal.
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Did you know that you can see Michelangelo's magnificent frescoes from the Sistine Chapel not only in the Vatican, but also in Częstochowa? We invite you to a unique multimedia exhibition, which gives you the opportunity to take a closer look at this famous work of Renaissance art.
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For centuries, the faithful have been hanging plaques for themselves and their loved ones on the façade of the Chapel of Our Lady in Altötting. Over the centuries, they have become one of the most recognizable and characteristic elements of this place, creating a chronological record of the history of prayers, hopes and fulfilled desires.
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According to a well-known Polish saying, love begins nowhere else but on a plate. "The way to a man's heart is through his stomach," say the Poles, and we fully agree with this statement! Today we present the must-haves on the menus of our cities and regions. Flagship dishes that you should try when visiting one of the Shrines of Europe cities. Delicacies that have their fans far beyond the borders of our countries. Enjoy your meal!
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Take a panoramic tour through the Shrines of Europe cities
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