Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, Spain by Francisco Seoane Perez

Pilgrimage Sites

Cross-country walking is a fun and leisurely pastime. Christians have long treks to shrines and reliquaries and this is more of a spiritual venture more than a physical activity. Long trails that lead to pilgrimage sites are now developed for both the pilgrims and recreational hikers. There are many tourist destinations that have these pilgrimage routes that can serve you well in your spiritual venture as well as your purpose of spending a holiday with your family.

Pilgrim Destinations

After every pilgrimage trail awaits a site that has a religious significance. British pilgrimage trails are known internationally such as St. Cuthbert’s way. This pilgrimage route can make you trace the journey of the said saint from the Abbey in Melrose to Lindisfarne.

Also, you can follow the path of St. James’ which ends in a place where he rested during his journey.  A cathedral stands on where the apostle’s venture ended known as “Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela”. You may want to try a longer trek and there are more pilgrimage sites where you can bring your family.

You want to take a 480 mile path and Camino Frances is your destination of choice. This pilgrimage site starts from Southern France. There are also routes starting from Portugal and Southern Spain that lead to the same destination- “Camino Frances”.

Pilgrimages Today

Pilgrimage still exists up to this era. Religious people like you go for a spiritual venture which is an opportunity to reflect and achieve inner peace. The setting of the Blessed Virgin Mary’s apparition in 1917 is now a well-known pilgrimage site. Pilgrim paths start from Lisbon leading to Fatima. Also there are other routes from Spain and Portugal leading to the shrine of the Blessed Virgin.

Tourism in Pilgrim Destinations

Europe has a vast rural terrain that serves as a venue for Pilgrims. Pilgrimage sites usually have historic significance. Pilgrimage routes offered jobs to many locals who serve as tourist guides as well as companies that offer pilgrimage tours. These tours may be self-guided or traditional guided walking tour. Various packages await you and this has become a boom in the tourism industry.

Pilgrimage Tours

Pilgrimage started as a traditional practice centuries ago and remains as a religious activity which is a practice to many people like you. Today, it is easier to choose a pilgrimage site and book for a travel to your destination. Travel agencies can provide you with trail maps, handbooks and almost everything you need in your journey.

It is easier to plan out for a holiday pilgrimage or a recreational hiking trip to pilgrim destinations in Europe. Walking cross-country can be a worthwhile activity for you and your family.

Leslie loves hill walking and writing his routes on the web.  He has been running the main Camino de Santiago and Walking in Scotland site since 2006. Click on WHW walking route to know more about pilgrimage sites and routes.

The post Walking on Pilgrim’s Lands appeared first on Best of European Union.

The city was founded in the early 13th century, when the bishopric was moved from Old Sarum, an ancient Iron Age fort, which now stands on the northern outskirts of town, about 3 km from the city centre. This place was inhabited already 5000 years ago. The double ditches of this fort are still visible, however there was nothing left from the city inside the walls. Old Sarum was settled by the Romans, Anglo-Saxons and the bishops of Sherborne. But over time, they seemed uncomfortable, as this place was plagued by drought and strong winds, therefore, they requested the pope to move to Salisbury. This city is still called New Sarum. In the 19th century Old Sarum had been completely abandoned.

Domination of the city is its Cathedral, which is situated in the beautiful and peaceful district of The Close. There are also located schools, hospitals, theological colleges and hostels clerics. Salisbury cathedral, also known as Cathedral Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, was built between 1220 – 1258. Today it is a beautiful example of early English Gothic architecture, characterized by high lancet windows. The uniqueness of the cathedral is primarily in its perfectly uniform architectural concept. The only exception is a majestic tower that was built in the years 1280 – 1310. With its 123 meters it is the tallest spire in the United kingdom. It is quite surprising that the tower still stands, its foundations are only about 2 meters deep and the measurement found that the tower leans up to 77 cm.

But it is not everything that Salisbury Cathedral can offer. You can also see here the oldest working clock in the world from the year 1386, which are exposed on the left side of the cathedral. However the most important monument is the English charter Magna Carta from 1215, which is stored in the Chapter House. It is the best-preserved of the four surviving original copies of Magna Carta.

Salisbury Cathedral is famous also for its organ choir. The List of all Organists sorted chronologically in a row from the very beginning can not be overlooked in the cathedral. I must say that the cathedral has much to be proud of. I was lucky enough to hear the choir which was an amazing experience. I definitely recommend you to listen to (they do practice about 1 hour before Mass).

More info you can find at Salisbury Cathedral official website.

View Salisbury Cathedral with the tallest church spire in the United Kingdom in a larger map

The post Salisbury Cathedral with the tallest church spire in the United Kingdom appeared first on Best of European Union.