Turismo

Marian Route

What is the Marian Route?

The Marian shrines of El Pilar, Torreciudad, Lourdes and Montserrat have come together to form the `Marian Route`, a route which combines art, tradition, history and religion across Aragon and Catalonia in Spain and the Aquitaine and Midi-Pyrénées regions of France. This is a diverse and multicultural route of vast interest and a significant complementary appeal, since each shrine possesses distinctive qualities and attributes.

It is currently one of the most popular and renowned Marian pilgrimage routes in France and Spain, as well as in other countries across Europe (Italy, Portugal, Germany, Poland, etc.) and in Central and South America.

Between the four shrines, the route, whose popularity continues to grow, is visited by some 12 million pilgrims every year, a convincing reflection of its attractions and importance for pilgrims and tourists alike. 

• Más información sobre la Ruta Mariana
• Marian Route Blog
• Ver vídeo en canal Youtube sobre la Ruta Mariana
• Ver novedades sobre la promoción de Zaragoza en la Ruta Mariana
• Dossier Ruta Mariana

Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar.

Tradition holds that the Virgen Mary, stood upon a marble pillar, appeared before the Apostle Saint James (Santiago) and told him to build a temple around this Pillar (Pilar). This is the origin of what is known as the Basílica del Pilar, and the foundation of Zaragoza`s history as one of the most important Marian cities in all of the Christian world.

Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Torreciudad

Devotion to Nuestra Señora de Torreciudad dates back to the 11th century. The first small hermitage on the site was erected down by the River Cinca. As early as this locals from the surrounding settlements made their way to the shrine to make their petitions before the Virgin or proclaim their faith. A black Romanesque-style statue depicts her with the title `Majesty of Our Lady.` In 1960 the appearance of the shrine was transformed by Saint Josemaria Escrivá de Balaguer. He ordered the construction of the new shrine in honour of the virgin, who had intervened to save his life when he was a child.

Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Lourdes

Lourdes was an anonymous village in the French Pyrenees until 1858, the year in which when Bernardita Soubirous saw various apparitions near a cave that would come to be known as Our Lady of Lourdes. These apparitions, alongside the healings and miracles performed by the Virgin, were recognised by the Church, turning the Shrine into the second most important pilgrimage site in the Catholic world.

Santuario de Meritxell

The new Sanctuary of Meritxell has a very special meaning for the people of Andorra, as today it is the spiritual heart of the country. Naturally, this contemporary and representative work is one of the most important exponents of the architecture of Andorra of the end of the 20th century, and since it was opened in 1976, it has considerably enriched the heritage and artistic culture of the territory. To understand Meritxell, we must bear in mind that it is more than just a sanctuary. It is a place of peace and contemplation, a place open to nature and the landscape. It is an ideal place for meditation and withdrawal. The Historical Ensemble of Meritxell, comprised of the old Sanctuary (or Ancient Sanctuary) and the new Sanctuary, has been declared an asset of cultural interest by the Government of Andorra. The faith, identity and culture of the people of Andorra have made Meritxell a national symbol

Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Montserrat

Attracted by a bright light descending from the sky, a group of shepherd children were the first to discover the image of the Virgin in a cave in the year 880. They alerted their families, who went with them to see what the miraculous vision was about on several occasions. On hearing about the events, the bishop of Manresa wanted to see it for himself, and so allowed the small group to lead him to the site. During the visit, they again saw the image of the Virgin Mary in the cave. They tried to take the image back to Manresa, but it was too heavy to move from the mountain. They took this as a sign that the Virgin Mary wanted to be worshipped in this place and decided to build a chapel there. This is the origin of the Benedictine Monastery which stands on the mountain of Montserrat today, just 50 km from Barcelona.

The Romanesque statue to which people come to worship is known as `La Moreneta` (the little dark-skinned one) due to the colour of her face and hands.