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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

We are delighted to announce that Festival de Setembro 2025 – Immigration, Encounters, Creation, which took place in the medieval quarter of the city – Vila Medieval de Ourém – in September 2025, has been nominated for the Iberian Festival Awards 2026. This prestigious distinction, awarded to the best festivals in Portugal and Spain, marks an important moment both for the event’s organizers and for the city of Ourém itself.

How is a Christmas bauble made? What is its history in Częstochowa? You can find the answers to these questions at the Częstochowa Museum, which invites everyone to admire “The Bauble History of Częstochowa” – an exhibition showing that Christmas magic contains remarkable local craftsmanship.

In Mariazell, the Christmas magic begins as early as November. That’s when the Krampus parades take place – the traditional companions of Saint Nicholas, fearsome creatures straight from hell. It’s a true meeting of good and evil, a time of mischief and pranks that take over the town’s streets. Every year the tradition comes to life again, inviting both children and adults to join the fun. And only those who have been really naughty have anything to worry about…

Altötting has been a magnet for centuries for those seeking peace and spiritual retreat. At its heart lies the Schatzkammer – a treasury where faith emerges, and every detail carries history. It is a space where access is readily available and offers almost immediate access to Europe's spiritual heritage.

The contest for the best regional education lesson plan, combining local identity with European values, has come to an end. The initiative, organized by the Shrines of Europe Association, the City of Częstochowa, and the Częstochowa Tourist Organization, encouraged teachers to design inspiring lessons about the region within the context of international cooperation between sanctuary cities.

Tourism connects people, places, and cultures. Therefore, World Tourism Day, celebrated in all cities of the Shrines of Europe, is an opportunity to build an open and welcoming Europe and to emphasize the importance of cooperation between various groups – local governments, tourism organizations, businesses, social activists, and residents. See how we celebrated in Częstochowa.

On the weekend of September 20 and 21, 2025, Lourdes invites residents, pilgrims, and tourists to a unique cultural celebration – European Heritage Days. This event, celebrated in many European cities, takes on a special dimension in Lourdes. Here, history, spirituality, and art come together in one place, creating an unforgettable experience.

In the heart of Styria, at the foot of the picturesque Alps, lies a place that has attracted crowds of pilgrims and tourists for centuries – the Sanctuary of Our Lady in Mariazell. Here stands a small, simple, yet majestic statue known as Magna Mater Austriae, which has united people of different passions, languages, and nationalities for centuries.

The Jasna Góra Sanctuary is known worldwide as the spiritual capital of Poland. Since the 15th century, it has been the most frequently visited pilgrimage site in Poland, welcoming up to 5 million pilgrims from 80 countries each year. August is the pilgrimage peak in Częstochowa, during which crowds of pilgrims from the most remote corners of Poland travel to Jasna Góra.

Summer in the Shrines of Europe cities is the season of open-air events, concerts, festivals, performances, screenings, and picnics. Today, we’re taking you to Einsiedeln, where Openair Einsiedeln is about to begin — a musical celebration set in the stunning surroundings of a Benedictine monastery. Sounds intriguing, doesn’t it?

On the first weekend of July, Loreto transformed into a vibrant center of spirituality, culture and meetings. It was here, on July 4, that the third edition of the Shrines of Europe Festival took place – an event that proved once again that music, friendship and diversity can build real bridges between people and cities.

From 19 to 21 June 2025, Ourém/Fatima hosted the first edition of the International Youngs for Peace Football Tournament, a sporting event that brought together young footballers from different European cities around the love of football, the idea of ​​fair play, as well as friendship and respect.

Altötting – the spiritual heart of Bavaria and one of the Shrines of Europe – is a place that enchants not only with its history and atmosphere of prayer, but also with its remarkable hospitality towards… cyclists! Read more about bike tours, cycling trips, and other activities in Altötting for two-wheel enthusiasts.

Can cities be friends? Of course! Proof of this is the 35 years of friendship between Częstochowa and Lourdes – two member cities of the Shrines of Europe. Under the slogan "Long live friendship!", a solemn celebration of the cooperation of the twin cities took place in Częstochowa recently, which brought much emotion and joy.

In Catholic tradition, May has for centuries been a month especially devoted to the veneration of the Virgin Mary. It is during May that the Litany of Loreto is recited in churches, roadside chapels dedicated to Mary are adorned with fresh flowers, special Marian services are held, and pilgrimages to Marian shrines increase.

For several days now, the eyes of the entire world have been turned to the Vatican. The recent death of Pope Francis and the approaching conclave have attracted representatives of the Church, pilgrims and tourists from all over the world to Italy. Perhaps you are also planning a trip to Italy at this special time? Remember to visit Loreto, which is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Catholics, but also a pearl of art and craftsmanship of European Renaissance architecture, which is an absolute must-see.