For 1275 years, this town has been the spiritual center of Bavaria and for over 500 years the most significant pilgrimage site in Germany in the veneration of the Virgin Mary. Each year over 1 million pilgrims and visitors are drawn to the “Black Madonna”, a wooden statue of the Virgin Mary.
Opposite the altar the hearts of the Bavarian dukes, kings and electors are stored in richly decorated silver urns as a special sign of their deep and loyal ties to the Bavarian National Shrine. Among them is the heart of the “fairy tale king” Ludwig II. Due to the strong sentiments which the Bavarian people and their sovereigns have for the sanctuary of “Our Lady of Altötting”, the town was dubbed the “Heart of Bavaria”.
Preceded by Pope Pius VI in 1782 and Pope John Paul II in 1980, more recently Pope Benedict XVI visited what he referred to as his “spiritual homeland”. Two years later, as a token of his great esteem for the Marian shrine, he conferred the town with the Golden Rose.
A visit to Altoetting should include a visit to the Jerusalem Panorama – a monumental cyclorama showing the Crucifixion of Christ. One should not miss the Treasury and Pilgrimage Museum which houses the bridal wreath of the famous Austrian Empress “Sissi” that she donated to the Madonna of Altötting. The St. Mary´s Association’s “Exhibition of Dioramas” shows 22 dioramas which represent the history of pilgrimage in Altötting.
The pilgrimage town of Altötting is located in the lovely Upper-Bavarian Alpine region between Munich, Passau and Salzburg and just a short distance from lake Chiemsee with the famous fairytale castle, Herrenchiemsee.
The region around Altötting can be explored on foot on the numerous pilgrimage routes like St. James’s Way or by bicycle on the Benedict Trail, connecting the places where Pope em. Benedict XVI spent his childhood and youth.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Since yesterday, the Catholic Church has been in mourning. On April 21, 2025, Pope Francis died. Today, we recall the pilgrimages to the cities of the Shrines of Europe that the Holy Father made during his pontificate.
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Dear Friends, On the occasion of Easter, we wish you joy, peace and many smiles during the first days of spring. May this special time be the beginning of new energy, inspiration and positive plans - also those related to travel!
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