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!
We offer you our new series, the first part of which is now available on the "Shrines of Europe" Facebook profile. "7 out of 7" is a search for places and attractions that can be seen in each of our 7 cities. Despite different languages, traditions and histories, we have a lot in common. We will be happy to show it to you.
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It’s Easter which means a time for joy, spending with family and friends. In this unique time of year we wish you hope and beauty of springtime that gives the promise of brighter days. Let this Easter bring a basketful of joy for all of you! Happy Easter from the Shrines of Europe
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Did you know that when traveling to Ourem you can also visit Jurassic Park? Don't worry - the visit will not be as dangerous as those in the film series! In the park "Natural Monument In the Footsteps of Dinosaurs" in Ourém (Pegadas de Dinossáurios da Serra de Aire) you will see up close the prints of dinosaurs from 175 million years ago!
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In recent days, young people from Lourdes and Altötting - participants of the project "Citizens of Europe today and tomorrow" - visited Częstochowa. This was the next phase of the project that, initiated by Lourdes, was continued first in Altötting and now in Częstochowa. Once again, young people met to talk about their most important issues, i.e. the climate crisis, new technologies and European identity.
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February is ending really well for Shrines of Europe! On February 22-23, 2024, the city of Ourem/Fatima (Portugal) hosted the 20th International Congress on Religious and Sustainable Tourism, which took place in parallel with the 11th International Workshop on Religious Tourism (IWRT). We were also present there as a group and presented ourselves at our Shrines of Europe stand.
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Valentine's Day is approaching. This is a special day of the year when we exchange small gifts, cards with hearts, order flowers and spend time together with our other halves. It is a holiday that some people love and others hate. For both, we have several attractions to see in the unique cities of Shrines of Europe. You can visit these places by yourself or with your loved ones.
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Take a panoramic tour through the Shrines of Europe cities
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