Shrines of Europe
Shrines of Europe
Shrines of Europe
Shrines of Europe
Shrines of Europe
Shrines of Europe
Shrines of Europe
Shrines of Europe
Shrines of Europe
Shrines of Europe
Shrines of Europe

A path of culture and spirituality

Experience Europe in the footsteps of the pilgrims!

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!

Via Lauretana – on the way to Loreto

Winter still blankets the world in white, but it’s the perfect time to start planning spring journeys that inspire and transform. Loreto, one of Europe’s most important Marian sanctuaries, awaits all those seeking spiritual experiences, history, and beauty. The Via Lauretana – an ancient route connecting Assisi to Loreto – leads straight to this exceptional destination, offering a journey through picturesque landscapes, historic sites, and an atmosphere that lingers long after the walk ends.

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Via Lauretana – on the way to Loreto

Winter Magic of the Shrines of Europe – a festive journey through our cities

The holiday season is slowly fading into memory, but the magic of winter is still with us. We invite you to explore a photo gallery showcasing the cities of the Shrines of Europe network in their Christmas and New Year’s attire.

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Winter Magic of the Shrines of Europe – a festive journey through our cities

Busy in promoting – Shrines of Europe at FITUR 2026 in Madrid

The Shrines of Europe network is being actively promoted at FITUR 2026 in Madrid, one of the most important international tourism fairs in the world. This is a unique opportunity to present the spiritual, cultural and historical heritage of Europe’s sanctuary cities to a wide audience of professionals and visitors from around the globe.

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Busy in promoting – Shrines of Europe at FITUR 2026 in Madrid

XIII International Workshops on Religious Tourism (IWRT 2026)

The International Workshops on Religious Tourism (IWRT) are one of the world’s leading events dedicated to religious and spiritual tourism. This year’s edition will take place on February 19–20 in Fátima and on February 23 in Guarda, Portugal. We will also be there, actively participating in industry meetings and international exchanges of experience.

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XIII International Workshops on Religious Tourism (IWRT 2026)

Lichterzauber on the Bürgeralpe – a winter attraction in Mariazell

A winter stay in Mariazell can be enhanced this season with a special attraction – Lichterzauber on the Mariazeller Bürgeralpe, a series of evening light installations set in a particularly scenic mountain landscape. For those who have not yet visited Mariazell in winter, this is the last opportunity to plan such a trip.

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Lichterzauber on the Bürgeralpe – a winter attraction in Mariazell

Christmas wishes

As the Shrines of Europe Association, we always come together in this special time of the year. We warmly invite you to watch and share Christmas wishes from all the cities of the Shrines of Europe, each bringing its unique voice and local tradition into this common message of hope. May this festive season bring peace, hope, and joy to our communities, our pilgrims, and all who seek light on their journey.

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Christmas wishes
360°

Panoramic tour

Take a panoramic tour through the Shrines of Europe cities

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to explore?

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Częstochowa

The spiritual capital of Poland

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Altötting

The Heart of Bavaria

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Einsiedeln

Culture, tradition, sports, nature

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Fátima

City of Peace

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Loreto

A shrine created a town

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Lourdes

In the footsteps of Bernadette

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Mariazell

Beyond faith

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