These are some of Europe’s most sacred sites
From Neolithic stone circles to monasteries clinging to cliffs, these awe-inspiring spiritual retreats stand the test of time.
In these difficult times, embarking on meaningful journeys has never resonated more. It’s no wonder that, since the pandemic began, people of all faiths have been going on pilgrimages to sacred sites.
Traveling to the farthest reaches of the world in search of solace and enlightenment is an age-old practice. During the Neolithic period, mystics moved monoliths weighing several tons over a hundred miles to erect stone structures for celebrations and rituals. Around the sixth century, a group of ascetic monks withdrew from society to crags rising from the ocean. Over the following centuries, other religious groups, aiming to be closer to the heavens, established precipitous monasteries hanging from cliffs.
Today’s travelers retrace these well-worn paths. They transport visitors back in time to explore mysteries and relics of past civilizations. Hikers set former mountain strongholds, such as France’s Château de Puilaurens, as their lofty goal, while others learn the art of disconnection from monks at Greece’s Mount Athos. Thousands follow the footsteps of our Neolithic ancestors to England to catch the rising sun at Stonehenge and Avebury during summer and winter solstice.
Now more than ever, historical and spiritual destinations capture our imaginations, underscoring their timelessness. Here are a few of our favorite sites in Europe.
This story has been updated since it first published on May 10, 2019.
You May Also Like
Go Further
Animals
- This ‘saber-toothed’ salmon wasn’t quite what we thoughtThis ‘saber-toothed’ salmon wasn’t quite what we thought
- Why this rhino-zebra friendship makes perfect senseWhy this rhino-zebra friendship makes perfect sense
- When did bioluminescence evolve? It’s older than we thought.When did bioluminescence evolve? It’s older than we thought.
- Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?
- This pristine piece of the Amazon shows nature’s resilienceThis pristine piece of the Amazon shows nature’s resilience
Environment
- This pristine piece of the Amazon shows nature’s resilienceThis pristine piece of the Amazon shows nature’s resilience
- Listen to 30 years of climate change transformed into haunting musicListen to 30 years of climate change transformed into haunting music
- This ancient society tried to stop El Niño—with child sacrificeThis ancient society tried to stop El Niño—with child sacrifice
- U.S. plans to clean its drinking water. What does that mean?U.S. plans to clean its drinking water. What does that mean?
History & Culture
- Meet the original members of the tortured poets departmentMeet the original members of the tortured poets department
- Séances at the White House? Why these first ladies turned to the occultSéances at the White House? Why these first ladies turned to the occult
- Gambling is everywhere now. When is that a problem?Gambling is everywhere now. When is that a problem?
- Beauty is pain—at least it was in 17th-century SpainBeauty is pain—at least it was in 17th-century Spain
- The real spies who inspired ‘The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare’The real spies who inspired ‘The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare’
Science
- Here's how astronomers found one of the rarest phenomenons in spaceHere's how astronomers found one of the rarest phenomenons in space
- Not an extrovert or introvert? There’s a word for that.Not an extrovert or introvert? There’s a word for that.
- NASA has a plan to clean up space junk—but is going green enough?NASA has a plan to clean up space junk—but is going green enough?
- Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?
- Can aspirin help protect against colorectal cancers?Can aspirin help protect against colorectal cancers?
Travel
- What it's like to hike the Camino del Mayab in MexicoWhat it's like to hike the Camino del Mayab in Mexico
- Is this small English town Yorkshire's culinary capital?Is this small English town Yorkshire's culinary capital?
- This chef is taking Indian cuisine in a bold new directionThis chef is taking Indian cuisine in a bold new direction
- Follow in the footsteps of Robin Hood in Sherwood ForestFollow in the footsteps of Robin Hood in Sherwood Forest