Medieval Pilgrimage

Medieval pilgrimage was a journey undertaken by individuals seeking spiritual benefits, healing, or penance by visiting holy sites, such as shrines or relics of saints. These travels were significant from the 9th to the 16th centuries, often involving long distances. Pilgrims could be motivated by personal faith, community traditions, or the desire for adventure. Notable pilgrimage routes included the Camino de Santiago in Spain and journeys to Jerusalem or Rome. Pilgrimage fostered religious devotion, cultural exchange, and even economic activity in the regions visited, shaping the spiritual and social landscape of medieval Europe.