The 9 Most Visited Marian Shrines In The World: A Global Marian Pilgrimage Guide

As Catholic mamas, we cherish the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary in our lives and the lives of our families. Whether we seek her intercession for guidance, protection, or peace, visiting Marian shrines can be a beautiful way to deepen our family’s faith and venerate the Virgin Mary together. 

These sacred places, visited by millions of pilgrims each year, offer a special opportunity to connect with Our Blessed Mother and strengthen our devotion as a family. 

In this post, we’ll look at the most visited Marian shrines worldwide, perfect for planning your family’s next Catholic pilgrimage.

1. Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico

The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City is not just the most visited Marian shrine globally, but also one of the most popular Catholic shrines around the world. Every year, an astounding 20 million pilgrims flock to this sacred place!

The shrine’s story began in 1531 with the apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Juan Diego, a native Mexican, on Tepeyac Hill. She left her image miraculously imprinted on his tilma (cloak), which is still on display today.

Our Lady of Guadalupe is also known as the patroness of the unborn and families.

BOOK A 2-HR PRIVATE TOUR WITH TRANSPORT TO GUADALUPE’S SHRINE HERE

2. Basilica of Our Lady of Aparecida in Brazil

Home to the miraculous statue of Our Lady of Aparecida, patroness of Brazil, this basilica welcomes about 8 million visitors annually. The statue’s story is fascinating—it was found by fishermen in the Paraíba River in 1717.

As the largest Marian shrine in the world, the basilica can accommodate up to 45,000 people! It’s a testament to the deep devotion of Brazilian Catholics and a wonderful place for families to experience the warmth of the Latin American faith.

BOOK APARECIDA CATHEDRAL TOUR HERE

3. Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes in France

Located in the foothills of the Pyrenees, Lourdes welcomes around 6 million visitors annually. The shrine’s history dates back to 1858 when the Virgin Mary appeared to a young girl named Bernadette Soubirous.

What makes Lourdes truly special is its association with healing miracles. The spring that St. Bernadette uncovered at Mary’s request has been the source of numerous documented healings. Pilgrims can visit the grotto, participate in candlelight processions, and even bathe in the miraculous waters of Lourdes.

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes is also my family’s favorite pilgrimage site. We are so blessed to be living in Spain and only a 5-hour drive from Lourdes (about 8 hours since we travel with small kids, thus, several stops along the way).

RELATED: 11 Best Hotels In Lourdes, France Near The Grotto of Massabielle

We try to visit the sanctuary once a year if possible. We went there once again at the end of August 2024 to attend the European conference of our religious community, MFC (Missionary Families of Christ) which originated in the Philippines in 1981.

4. Jasna Góra Monastery in Poland

Housing the famous icon of the Black Madonna, Jasna Góra Monastery receives around 4-5 million pilgrims each year. The icon, believed to have been painted by St. Luke, has a rich history filled with legends and miracles.

For Polish Catholics, the Black Madonna is not just a religious symbol but also a national icon. Visiting Częstochowa offers a unique glimpse into the strong faith and national identity of our Polish brethren.

BOOK TOURS FOR YOUR POLAND PILGRIMAGE HERE

5. Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima in Portugal

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima is one of the most visited Marian shrines in Europe and one of the most famous Catholic sites(if not the most famous) in Portugal, attracting 4-6 million pilgrims each year. In 1917, three shepherd children – Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta—witnessed apparitions of Our Lady, who shared three secrets concerning the fate of the world.

The message of Fatima, emphasizing prayer, repentance, and consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, continues to resonate with Catholics worldwide. 

I have been to Fatima twice when I was still single and hoping to visit the shrine once again together with my entire family in the future.

BOOK YOUR FATIMA TOUR HERE

6. Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in USA

As the largest Catholic church in North America, this basilica (located in Washington D.C.) attracts about 1 million visitors annually. Its stunning Byzantine-Romanesque architecture and over 80 chapels and oratories make it a truly awe-inspiring place to visit.

This shrine represents the diversity of American Catholicism. Each chapel is dedicated to Mary under her various titles from different cultures, making it a beautiful reflection of the universal Church.

7. Sanctuary of Our Lady of Knock in Ireland

Also known as Knock Shrine, where Mary appeared alongside St. Joseph and St. John the Evangelist in 1879, welcomes 1.5 million pilgrims each year. What’s unique about Knock is that Mary didn’t speak during the apparition, but her silent presence was deeply meaningful to the 15 witnesses.

Today, Knock is known as ‘Mary’s Silent Healing Shrine.’ It’s a peaceful place for prayer and reflection, especially for families seeking Mary’s intercession.

8. Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, Zaragoza, Spain

This beautiful basilica, built on the spot where Mary appeared to St. James the Apostle in 40 AD, attracts around 1 million visitors annually. According to tradition, Mary gave St. James a pillar (pilar in Spanish) as a sign of her protection.

The basilica’s baroque architecture is stunning, and the original pillar still stands at the center of the church. It’s a wonderful place to teach children about the early days of Christianity in Europe.

The Marian apparition in Zaragoza is also known as the first appearance of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the history of the Catholic faith and is the only apparition that happened while Our Lady was still alive.

I’ve been to this Basilica twice, too. First, when I wast still single, and second, when I was still pregnant with our first born. Hoping to come back soon with my entire family.

BOOK YOUR ZARAGOZA, SPAIN TOUR HERE

9. Sanctuary of the Holy House of Loreto in Italy

Loreto welcomes about 4 million pilgrims each year to visit what is believed to be the house where Mary lived in Nazareth. According to tradition, angels miraculously transported the house to Loreto in the 13th century.

Whether or not you believe in the legend, standing in the simple stone structure where Mary may have received the Annunciation is a profoundly moving experience.