Top pilgrimage sites in Europe

Lourdes, France - The largest pilgrimage site in France, Lourdes is important due to the apparitions of Our Lady of Lourdes and the site's healing stream of water.

Mount Athos, Greece - Mount Athos is the oldest surviving independent monastic republic in the world, tracing its roots back to the 5th century.

Altötting, Germany - For over 500 years, this Bavarian town has been one of Germany's most important places of pilgrimage, venerating the Virgin Mary.

Santiago de Compostela, Spain - One of the oldest pilgrimage routes in the world, it terminates at the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Northern Spain.

Armagh, Ireland - Also known as the Saint Patrick route, it was here that the saint established his church. This made the town the ecclesiastical capital of the island.

Einsiedeln, Switzerland - Einsiedeln gained popularity thanks to its Benedictine Abbey, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Switzerland.

Mont Saint-Michel, France - For almost 1,000 years, Mont Saint-Michel has become one of the most popular places of pilgrimage in Western Europe.

Assisi, Italy - This Umbrian town is most famous for being the birthplace of Saint Francis. The different routes follow the journey he made in the Middle Ages.

Rocio, Spain - The pilgrimage of Rocio is one of the largest Roman Catholic pilgrimages in Europe.

Mariazell, Austria - The most popular pilgrimage destination in Austria, the Mariazell Basilica contains a 23-inch (50-cm) high wooden statue of the Virgin Mary with child.

Pilgrims' Way, England - This historical 120-mile (190-km) route takes pilgrims from Winchester to Hampshire, while leading them through several religious sites.

Via Francigena, UK, France, and Italy - One of the longest Catholic pilgrimages in Europe, Via Francigena starts in Canterbury, England.

St Magnus Way, Scotland - On the enchanting coastline of the Scottish island of Orkney exists a route that's 58 miles (93 km) long, honoring the island’s patron saint.