The principle marian pilgrimage cities in Europe wish everyone in Europe and around the world a Merry Christmas and a peaceful New Year 2020!

The working group “Shrines of Europe“ was founded in 1996 and is uniting Europe´s principle Marian pilgrimage sites: Altötting, Czestochowa, Lourdes, Loreto, Fátima, Mariazell and Einsiedeln. Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, the City of Peace and City of Christmas is an important partner of the Shrines of Europe.

All these places have one thing in common: they provide spiritual consolation and new strength for living. The Christian faith, the European values and the desire for peace are the guidelines of the Shrines of Europe.

Experience Europe in the footsteps of the pilgrims!

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!

Altötting Germany

For centuries Altötting is the spiritual centre of Bavaria and the most significant place of pilgrimage in Germany in veneration of the Virgin Mary.

Czestochowa Poland

The largest and most important pilgrimage shrine in Poland is the Jasna Góra Pauline Monastery, situated on a hill in Czestochowa.

Einsiedeln Switzerland

Einsiedeln is located in the heart of Central Switzerland, close to Zurich and the picturesque lake Zurich.

Fatima Portugal

Located just 130 km from Lisbon Fátima is the most important place of pilgrimage in Portugal.

Loreto Italy

Italy's most famous place of pilgrimage in veneraton of the Virgin Mary. The city is visible from afar, set on a hill near the Adriatic Sea.

Lourdes Frankreich

Due to inexplicalble healings attributed to the spring water from the Lourdes Grotto, this place became a special destination for the sick from all over the world.

Mariazell Austria

Mariazell is not only the most important place of pilgrimage in veneration of the Virgin Mary in Austria, but is also visited by innumerable pilgrims especialy from Eastern Europe.

Suggestions for your pilgrimage A unique experience across Europe!

We invite you to experience Europe in the footsteps of the pilgrims! We have prepared suggestions for your pilgrimage in Europe in Veneration of the Virgin Mary, combining several of our Shrines of Europe cities. Find your inspiration and start a unique pilgrimage experience.