When touring Western Europe, you don’t necessarily think to go to religious centers that are pilgrimage destinations for locals and for the devout. Here are three such destinations to keep an eye out for if you’re in the neighborhood. They are certainly worth a visit, but it’s important to remember to always be respectful of those who are there to worship.
Stonehenge, UK
The oldest and most famous of the three destinations, Stonehenge is not a typical pilgrimage destination. Those who travel to worship at the prehistoric stone circle are Pagans (Neo-Pagans) and Neo-Druids, who come to the site particularly around the time of the summer solstice to celebrate the sunrise.
Fátima, Portugal
About 90 miles north of Lisbon, Fatima is a small town that’s home to one of the most important contemporary Catholic shrines in the world. The shrine is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and marks her apparition to three local shepherd children in 1917.
Croagh Patrick, Ireland
Ireland’s Holy Mountain in County Mayo is a pilgrimage destination for thousands who come to climb the mountain to honor Saint Patrick, who according to tradition climbed the summit in the year 441 and spent 40 days praying and fasting.