Category
Modern Pilgrimage
Twentieth-century faith and living witness.
Modern pilgrimage destinations prove that Christian travel did not stop in the Middle Ages. These are the contemporary pilgrimage sites, retreat communities and newly built shrines drawing travellers today — how to join a modern pilgrimage, what to expect on arrival and the best time of year to go.
7 destinations
3/5 SignificanceAssisi, Italy
Basilica of St Francis
The home town of Saint Francis, who loved animals and gave away everything. His tomb is under a church full of famous paintings.
3/5 SignificanceNagasaki, Japan
Twenty-Six Martyrs Monument
In 1597, 26 Christians were killed here for their faith. Japanese Christians then kept their faith secret for 250 years.
2/5 SignificanceLourdes, France
Sanctuary of Lourdes
A cave in the French mountains where a 14-year-old girl said Mary appeared to her in 1858. Six million people visit every year.
2/5 SignificanceBarcelona, Spain
Sagrada Família
Gaudí's unfinished church in Barcelona. The whole Gospel story is carved into the walls, and the pillars look like trees.
2/5 SignificanceMexico City, Mexico
Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe
The most visited Catholic shrine in the world, built around a cloak with an image of Mary that has been shown since 1531.
2/5 SignificanceFátima, Portugal
Sanctuary of Fátima
In 1917 three shepherd children said Mary appeared to them six times here. A crowd of 70,000 saw a strange event in the sky.
2/5 SignificanceTaizé, France
Taizé Community
A hillside village in France where 100,000 young people come each year to pray and sing simple songs together.
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