Until September 1, the exhibition “Shrines of Europe” is on display, showcasing the spirituality and beauty of the main Christian pilgrimage sites in Europe.
This exhibition is the result of a collaborative effort among the partner cities of the Shrines of Europe project, an initiative that unites seven of the most important European shrines: Altötting in Germany; Częstochowa in Poland; Einsiedeln in Switzerland; Fátima in Portugal; Loreto in Italy; Lourdes in France; and Mariazell in Austria. Each of these shrines has a rich history and a tradition of welcoming pilgrims, serving as destinations that combine religious devotion with significant cultural and tourism offerings.
Since 2022, this exhibition has traveled to the cities that are part of the Shrines of Europe Association, bringing with it a collection of photographs that capture the essence and spirituality of each location. It is now Fátima’s turn to host this exhibition, which is available to all who visit the city’s Tourism Office.
The main objective of the exhibition is to strengthen the bonds between the partner cities, promoting the sharing of experiences and understanding among these faith communities. Additionally, the exhibition aims to highlight the unique beauty of the shrines and their importance as spaces for prayer, reflection, and hospitality for pilgrims from around the world.
Fátima, known worldwide for the Marian apparitions, is one of the main destinations for Catholic pilgrimage, attracting millions of visitors each year. The inclusion of Fátima in this exhibition reinforces the relevance of the Portuguese shrine in the European landscape, not only as a place of devotion but also as a culturally and touristically significant destination.
The exhibition “Shrines of Europe” is free to access, inviting all visitors to immerse themselves in the spirituality and history of these sacred places. For more information, interested parties can visit the Ourém City Council website at www.cm-ourem.pt.
This event is yet another demonstration of Fátima’s commitment and that of the partner cities to promote religious and cultural tourism, offering an enriching experience for all those seeking to deepen their faith or simply learn more about Europe’s spiritual heritage.