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!
Autumn can be really beautiful, turning golden and enchanting with the colors of the leaves. This is the time of year favorable for outdoor activities: walking, hiking and hiking. Maybe it's worth combining physical recreation with soul renewal and going on a pilgrimage! And where? For example, to Mariazell!
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Did you know that according to legend, in the 13th century, the holy house of Mary was moved from Palestine to Italy on angel wings? If this were true, this flight would be the first transport flight in the history of the world! And over what distance - the road from Palestine to Italy is over 2,200 km. But of course, when you are an angel, anything is possible.
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Some of us associate Switzerland mainly with winter sports. This is of course not a mistake. Ski enthusiasts dream of spending a few winter days in one of the Swiss ski resorts. But for now, it's still hot outside so we have to wait for snow a while... However, don’t put off your trip to Switzerland! If you choose this direction in summer, we highly recommend Einsiedeln, which will definitely not disappoint you.
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During the World Youth Days in Fatima, we welcomed many young pilgrims from all over the world who came to the Sanctuary to meet Pope Francis.
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Tourists and pilgrims come to Lourdes mainly to pray in front of the statue of Our Lady, who appeared to Bernadette in the nearby grotto of Massabielle, and to draw water from the spring, which is credited with miraculous healing properties...
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Young people from all over the world will meet this year in Lisbon to experience World Youth Day together. The participants of the meeting will also have the opportunity to visit Fatima, where the Holy Father will arrive on August 5.
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Take a panoramic tour through the Shrines of Europe cities
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