Best Christian Pilgrimage Sites
Christianity has a strong tradition of pilgrimage, both related to stories of the New Testament in the Holy Land as well as later miracles and saints from around the world. The very first pilgrimages in the Christian world were made to sites related to the birth, baptism, life teachings, death and believed resurrection of Jesus. From the fourth century, pilgrimages to the Holy Land became popularized and later, pilgrimages to Rome. Christianity maintains that pilgrimage can help believers to develop in their spirituality and bring them closer to God.
Although Christianity’s roots are largely based in Jerusalem, pilgrimage sites also include other Holy Land destinations as well as sites throughout the world. When Jerusalem and its surrounding areas fell to Muslim conquests in the 7th century, pilgrimage became more difficult, with subsequent pilgrimage sites being established in Europe.
While many Christian organizations and companies aid pilgrimage, in Israel, this job is an interfaith effort. The International Headed by Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, the Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ), has earned a high rating for its work leading Christian pilgrimages to Israel. IFCJ’s rating as one of the top organizations for pilgrims can be attributed to the wealth of information on their website about accommodations, transportation, currency, Israel’s climate and customs and much more to help Christian pilgrims get the most out of their trip to the Holy Land.
According to Yael Eckstein, The Fellowship’s Global Executive Vice President, the project aims to provide the information needed for an inspirational experience, by allowing them to see where their Christian forefathers walked and exploring holy sites. Below is a list of some of the best Christian pilgrimage sites you may want to visit, both in the Holy Land and beyond.
Bethlehem (Birthplace of Jesus)
The Church of the Nativity — Jesus’s birthplace — is situated in Manger Square in Bethlehem, less than six miles away from Jerusalem. Many pilgrims travel to Bethlehem, especially for Christmas. After stopping in Bethlehem, many Christians walk to Nazareth so they can follow in the footsteps of Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus.
Nazareth (Hometown of Jesus)
Nazareth is believed to be Jesus’s hometown, with the Church of the Annunciation (built over Mary’s home) as a top pilgrimage point. Here, it was said that the angel Gabriel told Mary that she would have a son and should name him Jesus. Also in Nazareth is the Church of Saint Joseph, where some believe Joseph had his carpentry shop.
Jerusalem
Jerusalem, where Jesus spent much time, is one of the most important cities for Christians. Must-see sites include: the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed before the Romans arrested and killed him; the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, where Jesus was crucified and buried; the Garden Tomb, where some believe Jesus died and was resurrected; the Via Dolorosa, the route to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher that Jesus took carrying his cross; and the Church of the Ascension, where Jesus was said to rise into heaven after resurrection.
The IFCJ is currently building its Jerusalem headquarters, a multimillion-dollar building that will provide a home in the Holy Land for visiting Christians. The building project — called the Global Fellowship House — will likely take about three years to complete and is sandwiched between the Western Wall and Bethlehem. The headquarters will primarily be used as an educational facility, where Christians can learn about the Jewish roots of their faith. Stay tuned!
Vatican City, Italy (Headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church)
Tradition holds that after the beginnings of early Christianity and Pentecost in Jerusalem, Peter went to Rome to become its first Pope. Additionally, many Christians believe that Paul was executed and buried on Vatican Hill in Rome. Thus, beginning in the Middle Ages, Rome became a major Christian pilgrimage destination, especially Vatican City as the home of the Pope (the direct successor to Peter), the spiritual head of the Roman Catholic Church. Many visit the Vatican to hear the Pope speak publicly on Wednesdays in Saint Peter’s Square and attend a mass there. Pilgrims also often visit Saint Peter’s Basilica to rub a 13th-century statue of Saint Peter and visit what they believe to be Peter’s tomb, underneath the Basilica. According to the BBC, to make pilgrimage to this spot allows pilgrims, particularly Catholics, to feel close to their spiritual leader and to the very first Christian community.
Of course, the list does not end here — there are many other pilgrimage sites for Christians, including (in the Holy Land) the Jordan River (where Jesus was baptized), Golgotha (Calvary) and the Sea of Galilee (the site of Jesus’s ministry), as well as other locations in Europe such as Lourdes, France (a Roman Catholic shrine that is known for its miraculous healing waters) and the Shrine of Our Lady in Walsingham, England (where Richeldis de Faverches had a vision of Mary).
There are many places for Christian pilgrims to visit, worship, and develop spiritually, so pack your bags and here’s to a meaningful journey!
Get a full list of Christian holy sites in Jerusalem on Wikipedia.
