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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.

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.

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!

March was an exceptionally busy month for the partners of the Shrines of Europe Association. A lot was happening because we wanted to be present at the most important industry events in the field of tourism organized this month in Portugal. And you know what? We did it! We invite you to read the report from participation in the 12th edition of the International Workshop on Religious Tourism in Fatima and in the Better Tourism Lisbon tourism fair in the capital of Portugal.

Did you know that you can see Michelangelo's magnificent frescoes from the Sistine Chapel not only in the Vatican, but also in Częstochowa? We invite you to a unique multimedia exhibition, which gives you the opportunity to take a closer look at this famous work of Renaissance art.

For centuries, the faithful have been hanging plaques for themselves and their loved ones on the façade of the Chapel of Our Lady in Altötting. Over the centuries, they have become one of the most recognizable and characteristic elements of this place, creating a chronological record of the history of prayers, hopes and fulfilled desires.

According to a well-known Polish saying, love begins nowhere else but on a plate. "The way to a man's heart is through his stomach," say the Poles, and we fully agree with this statement! Today we present the must-haves on the menus of our cities and regions. Flagship dishes that you should try when visiting one of the Shrines of Europe cities. Delicacies that have their fans far beyond the borders of our countries. Enjoy your meal!

When in Lourdes, visit "Little Lourdes" - a micro-town in the heart of the city, which, surrounded by greenery, allows you to take a breath and relax after intensive sightseeing. A visit to this charming miniature park is a unique history lesson for all pilgrims and tourists visiting Lourdes, regardless of age.

A real treat awaits all lovers of snow, speed and thrills in the town of Mariazell! The "FIL Natural Track World Cup" will soon be held on natural ice tracks from 24 to 26 January 2025 in this picturesque Alpine town.

Incense production in Altötting is a combination of centuries of tradition and passion, thanks to which the craftsmanship process makes each product unique in terms of scent and spiritual meaning. Its scent has something mystical about it, but often it helps us to simply relax. Learn about the history of incense from Altötting.

Einsiedeln in winter turns into a real paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. Ski slopes, Nordic walking, ice skating, or maybe ski jumping? We invite you to discover all the attractions that this charming town has to offer winter sports enthusiasts.

Dear Friends, On the occasion of the upcoming Christmas, the mayors of the Shrines of Europe cities send you a special message. We invite you to listen to the wishes in all Shrines of Europe languages.

This winter, the Municipal Tourist Information Centre of Częstochowa is taking part in our "Ask me about the Shrines of Europe" campaign so visit us there! Get all the information about the association, help yourself to sweets or take a small gift from Shrines of Europe. Do not hesitate, just come and visit us in Częstochowa!