As part of the 30th anniversary of the Shrines of Europe Association, we are pleased to present the International Scientific Conference "Sacred Places – Shared Futures", which will take place on 22 October 2026 in Ourém–Fátima, Portugal.
The conference is organised by the Shrines of Europe – Association of European Shrine Cities in cooperation with the Municipality of Ourém and it will bring together leading scholars, researchers and practitioners from across Europe to exchange knowledge, present current research and discuss the future of Europe's sacred places in the context of spirituality, cultural heritage, tourism and contemporary social change.
The event marks three decades of cooperation within the Shrines of Europe – Association of European Shrine Cities, one of Europe's oldest networks of Marian pilgrimage destinations, bringing together Altötting (Germany), Częstochowa (Poland), Einsiedeln (Switzerland), Fátima/Ourém (Portugal), Loreto (Italy), Lourdes (France) and Mariazell (Austria).
For 30 years, the Association has fostered international cooperation among its member cities, supporting the preservation of Europe's spiritual and cultural heritage, promoting sustainable tourism and encouraging the exchange of knowledge and good practices.
The conference will provide an international forum for interdisciplinary dialogue on the future of sacred places in a rapidly changing world. It will explore how shrine cities can preserve their unique spiritual identity while responding to contemporary social, cultural, technological and environmental challenges and welcoming increasingly diverse groups of visitors.
The Scientific Committee is chaired by Professor Carlos Costa of the University of Aveiro, an internationally recognised expert in tourism, destination management and sustainable development.
We invite you to explore this section to learn more about the conference concept, programme, speakers, practical information and participation details.
.jpg)
