Nikos Karathanos
Saint Matthias
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Pilgrimage is a religious journey to a sacred place or person. Learn about the history, motivations, and practices of pilgrimage in different religions, such as Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism.
A pilgrimage is a journey to a holy place, which can lead to a personal transformation, after which the pilgrim returns to their daily life. [1] [2] [3] Background. Pilgrimages frequently involve a journey or search of moral or spiritual significance.
- Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India. The spiritual hub of Buddhism is India's Bodh Gaya, whose famous fig tree was said to have sheltered Siddhartha Guatama as he meditated for seven days during his quest for enlightenment.
- St. Paul Trail, Turkey. This rugged 310-mile (500-kilometer) trail partly follows St. Paul’s journeyto spread Christianity. Leading from Perg or Aspendos to Antioch, the route forges past fragrant pine forests and mirage-like lakes.
- March for Jobs and Freedom, Washington, D.C. Photos of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedomshow a sea of people flooding the National Mall and enjoying the festive mood.
- St. Patrick’s Footsteps, Ireland. To retrace St. Patrick's steps, you can either retreat to the island of Lough Derg, or climb—barefoot is the custom—Croagh Patrick.
Learn about 10 different types of pilgrimage, from traditional to interior, and how to practice them in your life. Whether you seek a spiritual destination, a cultural connection, a personal transformation, or a nature immersion, there is a pilgrimage for you.
- Kerry Walker
- Abraham’s Path, The Middle East. This epic 1,243-mile routestarts in Harran, Turkey, where God is said to have called upon Abraham to ‘go forth’, and rambles on through Egypt, Palestine, Israel and Jordan.
- Via Francigena, UK, France & Italy. A 1,200-mile routeconnecting Canterbury to Rome via France, the Swiss Alps and the Italian Apennines, passing churches and shrines devoted to St Francis.
- Adam’s Peak, Sri Lanka. In Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands, this conical, 7,360ft-high peak is home to a footprint that’s said to belong to — faith depending — Adam, Buddha or Shiva.
- Caminho Português, Portugal & Spain. The wild Atlantic coast unravels before you on this uncrowded trail from Lisbon (380 miles) or Porto (140 miles) to Santiago de Compostela.
Learn about the origins, motivations, and destinations of pilgrimage in various world religions, especially Christianity. Discover National Trust places that have a history of pilgrimage, such as Lindisfarne Castle, White Cliffs of Dover, and Red House.
Pilgrimage sites often juxtapose orthodox and more popular perspectives on worship, resulting in conflicts between elites and the masses. Many important sites are sacred to more than one denomination or even religion, with competition and conflict arising as much as cooperation.
