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!
On Saturday, 26 September 2026, at dawn, the Pont Léon XIV in Lourdes was illuminated in blue as the city welcomed Pope Leo XIV. The bridge provided a memorable setting for his arrival, where Thierry Lavit, Mayor of Lourdes, together with local representatives, welcomed the Pope to the city.
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On 25 September 2026, Częstochowa celebrated World Tourism Day. This year’s celebrations were particularly special, taking place in a year that marks the 200th anniversary of modern Częstochowa and the 30th anniversary of Shrines of Europe – the Association of European Shrine Cities.
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From 4 to 6 September 2026, Altötting will once again become a unique meeting place for European monasteries, religious communities, pilgrims and visitors. For the 22nd time, the picturesque Kapellplatz, surrounding the famous Chapel of Grace, will host Klostermarkt Altötting – one of the largest and best-known monastery markets in the German-speaking world.
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Every summer, the roads leading to Częstochowa fill with pilgrims. August is the peak of the pilgrimage season at Jasna Góra.
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Two evenings, four films, and countless memorable moments – on 17–18 July, Le Palais Cinema in Lourdes became the venue for a unique celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Shrines of Europe network. The free film marathon brought together local residents, pilgrims and cinema enthusiasts, highlighting the values that have united Europe's shrine cities for three decades: shared heritage, dialogue, solidarity and the commitment to building a common future.
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For several days in June, the Portuguese city of Ourém once again became a meeting place for young football players from across Europe. The second edition of the "Youth for Peace" International Tournament brought together young athletes, proving that sport can be a powerful tool for fostering dialogue, cooperation, and mutual understanding across borders.
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Take a panoramic tour through the Shrines of Europe cities
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