Across the Iberian Peninsula and into the heart of France, the Via Mariae connects the great Marian shrines of Western Europe in a single pilgrimage of devotion to Our Lady. From Fatima's apparition site through Montserrat's mountain sanctuary to Lourdes' healing spring, this route offers pilgrims an immersion in the Marian tradition that has shaped European faith for centuries.
📜 History & Significance
The Via Mariae links pilgrimage sites where the Virgin Mary has been venerated for centuries - some ancient, some modern, all central to Catholic devotion. The route connects three of Europe's most visited Marian shrines: Fatima, where Mary appeared to three shepherd children in 1917; Montserrat, home of the Black Madonna for over a millennium; and Lourdes, where Bernadette saw Our Lady in 1858.
The route offers a contemplative journey through the landscapes and spirituality of Marian devotion, passing countless smaller shrines, chapels, and churches dedicated to Our Lady along the way.
🥾 Route Overview
The Via Mariae stretches approximately 1,400 km from Fatima in Portugal to Lourdes in France, typically requiring 7-8 weeks to complete on foot. The route crosses Portugal, Spain, and France, passing through varied landscapes from Atlantic coastlands to Pyrenean foothills.
From Fatima, the path heads east into Spain, passing through Ávila (city of St Teresa) before climbing to Montserrat above Barcelona. The route then crosses the Pyrenees into France, arriving at Lourdes in the foothills. Alternative routes and connections allow pilgrims to extend the journey to other Marian shrines.
☩ Key Pilgrimage Sites
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima marks where Mary appeared to Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta in 1917, sharing secrets and calling for prayer and penance. The basilica and Capelinha draw over 6 million pilgrims annually.
Montserrat's monastery, perched high in the Catalan mountains, has guarded the Black Madonna since the 12th century. Lourdes, where Bernadette encountered the Immaculate Conception, remains a place of healing and hope, its waters sought by millions.
📚 Further Reading
Curated resources to help you research and plan your pilgrimage on the Via Mariae.
