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!
Visiting places is more than just walking down main boulevards and seeing the top monuments. Getting to know a city begins where mass tourism ends – where we can feel its rhythm and character with all our senses. Les Halles, the traditional market in Lourdes, is exactly such a place: where conversations with locals, beautiful scents, and regional flavors mingle, and tradition intertwines with the craft of local producers.
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As every year, the first months were a time of intensive meetings and promotional activities for Shrines of Europe. The season began with participation in the International Workshops on Religious Tourism (IWRT) in Fatima, followed by a presence at the Better Travel Lisbon tourism fair in the Portuguese capital. It was a demanding but very inspiring start to the year – especially for our Portuguese partners.
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Every seven years, the streets of Bavaria come alive with the sound of drums, swirling figures, and colorful costumes – this is the Schäffler Dance, a traditional coopers’ dance that has symbolized courage, craftsmanship, and hope for over three centuries. Rooted in a legend from the time of the plague, this extraordinary Bavarian tradition weaves together history, ritual, and community, offering a unique glimpse into Europe’s living heritage.
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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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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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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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Take a panoramic tour through the Shrines of Europe cities
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