Which were the important pilgrimages routes in Britain and Europe?

Answer 1

Some of the Pilgrim routes were specific roads that pilgrims travelled on, where the road itself was a thing to experience for religious reasons. The route from London to the Becket Shrine in Canterbury was of this type, as was the Way of St. James in Spain. Another pilgrimage routes of this type was the Via Dolorosa in Israel, though the specific path has changed through the ages. Another was St. Olav's Way, from Oslo to Trondheim, in Norway.

Some of the Pilgrim routes were simply the main roads between cities or shipping routes to a pilgrim destination. The answers below treat both types. There is a link below to a map of European Trade Routes.

Answers pertaining to BritainOne of the main pilgrimage routes in Britain in medieval times was to Thomas a Becket's' shrine in Canterbury. Thomas a Becket was the archbishop of Canterbury, and was murdered by four knights who believed the king wanted him dead, just because he shouted some words. Thomas became a saint 3 years afterwards, and his shrine at Canterbury became a popular site for pilgrimages. More on BritainThomas Becket's shrine was the main route people went on, and the most popular as well, when he died he became very popular and have many visitors per day to come and visit his shrine. More on BritainThe oldest pilgrim destination in Britain is Holywell, in Wales. Other British pilgrim sites are St. Davids, Glastonbury, and St. Andrews. Answers pertaining to the ContinentThe most important pilgrimage route within continental Europe was El Camino de Santiago (The Way of St. James). The route wound through northern Spain, ending at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, said to hold the skull of St. James. More on the ContinentSites in Italy included churches in Rome, including St. Peter's Basilica, and the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi. Other Italian destinations were Padua and Turin.

The Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris was an important destination in France. Other French destinations were several churches in Lourdes, Basilica of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, in Normandy, and the Cathedral of Chartres.

One site of importance was the Shrine of St. Olav in Trondheim, Norway. In this case, the specific road to the shrine, called St. Olav's Way, was an important route to travel.

In Germany, Cologne Cathedral was an important destination.

There were pilgrim destinations in nearly every country.

Answers pertaining to the Holy LandThe Crusades were seen as Pilgrimages.

The earliest pilgrimages were to Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth, the Sea of Galilee, Bethany, and other sites in the the Holy Land. These sites were the destinations of pilgrim from antiquity, and Roman Emperors and Empresses went on Pilgrimage to them. The routes to the Holy Land stretched across the Roman Empire and were often by sea.

Answer 2

Important pilgrimage routes include London to the Becket shrine in Canterbury. In Spain, the medieval route of Santiago de Compostela in Northern Spain, burial site of St. James, one of Jesusâ?? twelve disciples. Routes in France include Tours (Paris), Vézelay, Le Puy-en-Velay and Arles. In Italy, the Via Francigena linked Canterbury with Rome.