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Loreto is a town of extraordinary charm and importance, which for seven hundred years has attracted travelers and pilgrims from all over the world, who come here to pray in the famous Holy House. The city is a must-see for believers, for those interested in religious architecture, for lovers of the seaside climate and beautiful views.

November has arrived. One of those less pleasant months of the year – the days are getting shorter, it is cold and dark. November days will certainly brighten up our evenings spent at home, under a blanket, with a cup of warm cocoa, brightened by the glow of candles. Exactly – candles. Where did the tradition of burning them actually come from? Have you ever wondered about it?

Einsiedeln is known not only for its impressive Benedictine monastery, but also for its fascinating diorama, which attracts tourists and pilgrims who want to "dive" into the Christmas story, as well as the Mineral Museum with its extraordinary collection of over 1,000 exhibits from all over the world.

Few other pilgrimage sites in the world can boast as rich a history as Mariazell. This small town in Austria is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Europe, attracting thousands of believers each year to pay homage to Our Lady of Mariazell, known as the Magna Mater Austriae.

World Tourism Day, celebrated every year on 27 September, is an important holiday that celebrates the role of tourism in our lives, its impact on the economy, culture, sustainable development and international relations. This year's theme of the celebrations, "Tourism and Peace", fits perfectly with the mission of the Shrines of Europe Association.

Summer is unfortunately over, it's time to flip our switches to autumn mode. So we want to show you that autumn is also a wonderful time of year to travel. Today we are taking you to Lourdes, which in the fall delights with peace and charm, which makes every visit unforgettable.

Did you know that sweet gingerbread is a popular souvenir from a trip to Einsiedeln? Its tradition dates back to the 14th century and is deeply rooted in the history of pilgrimages to this unique town, which is home to a Marian shrine known in Europe. Despite the passage of hundreds of years, pilgrims and tourists still eagerly buy gingerbread from Einsiedeln to give their loved ones these exceptionally delicious spicy baked goods.

Altötting will soon host the traditional Monastery Market. For the twentieth time, numerous monastic communities, monasteries and abbeys from Germany and abroad will present their traditional products and products from the monastery workshops, pantries, vineyards and breweries on the main town square, Kapellplatz, next to the Chapel of Grace. Of course, Altötting will also have a Shrines of Europe stand!

Did you know that in Loreto, at the foot of the Basilica of Our Lady of Loreto, there is a Polish War Cemetery? It is one of four necropolises of Polish soldiers who died in Italy during World War II. Soldiers who died during the battles in the Marche region were buried in this Italian town. Their bravery is part of the history of the city and their memory is still being cherished.

High summer. And if it's summer, there are outdoor events. Summer festivals have become a must-see during every vacation. The emotions after the festival in Portugal have not yet subsided, and we are already inviting you to another unique event. The Frytka Off festival will take place on July 27 in Częstochowa.

The second edition of the Shrines of Europe festival, which took place from June 19 to 23 in Ourem in Portugal, is already behind us. These few days were a real celebration of music, singing and dancing and the traditions of the Shrines of Europe, as well as a time of many wonderful conversations and discussions. See our report from this unique event.

Feirourém is an outdoor event held every year in Ourem. What distinguishes it from other events of its type is the fact that it brings together top artists, the best craftsmen, restaurateurs and exhibitors from Portugal and other countries in one place. This year Shrines of Europe will have the opportunity to be part of this wonderful unique summer festival.

Pic du Jer is said to offer the best view of Lourdes. But how to get there? The most persistent ones enter on foot. In this case, you must definitely wear comfortable shoes. However, there is another way - you can go to the top by funicular. This unique means of transport is over 100 years old and works flawlessly, bringing joy to subsequent generations of residents and tourists! Ready for a ride?

Altötting is preparing something really special for all fans of good fun, both older and younger! The traditional Hofdult festival will start there on May 24. Concerts, performances, an amusement park and feasting over a typical Bavarian golden beverage are the must-sees of this popular festival, which has been held here for over 625 years and always attracts crowds of people who come to Altötting in search of... good fun!

This year, a unique Europe Day celebration took place in Lourdes, organized by the City of Lourdes and the Blue Star Association. A large group from Częstochowa took part in this great celebration of Europe. There were concerts, meetings with authors, discussion panels and film screenings. See our report from this event.

On May 13, the Catholic Church around the world celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima, established in 2002. Every year, the event gathers crowds of pilgrims from all over the world who come to Fatima to pray in front of the statue of Our Lady, who appeared to three children in 1917.

Did you know that our photography exhibition "Shrines of Europe - the path of culture and spirituality" has reached Switzerland? It is currently presented in the monastery in Einsiedeln, which is a unique and worth seeing place where faith, history and culture mingle with the traditional Benedictine monastic life. Let's get to know them together!

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

The greatest treasure of the Jasna Góra Sanctuary in Częstochowa is the Miraculous Image of Our Lady thanks to which Jasna Góra became one of the largest Marian sanctuaries in Poland already in the 15th century. This painting is one of the most famous images of Our Lady in the world, clearly associated with Poland and Częstochowa.

"Que soy era Immaculada councepciou" - "I am the Immaculate Conception" - these words were spoken by Our Lady in Lourdes to Bernadette Soubirous in 1858, changing the history of a small town at the foot of the Pyrenees and making it one of the most important pilgrimage centers in the Catholic world. Currently, approximately 5 million pilgrims come here every year to ask Mary for healing of their soul and body.