18 Most Popular Catholic Pilgrimage Sites in Spain
If you are planning a pilgrimage to Spain, but not yet sure what sites to visit, this post is for you, as we discover together some of the most popular Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world from this beautiful country.
From Santiago de Compostela to Montserrat, to Cordoba, Spain is filled with incredible places to explore, experience, and reflect.
What Are The Most Popular Catholic Pilgrimage Sites in Spain?
Spain has many important Catholic pilgrimage sites that draw millions of visitors every year. These places are special for their connection to faith, history, and devotion.
From ancient monasteries with sacred relics to sites of Marian apparitions, they offer opportunities for prayer and spiritual renewal.
Whether you’re planning a pilgrimage or want to learn about these places, this guide will help you explore some of Spain’s most well-known and meaningful Catholic sites.
1. Santiago de Compostela Cathedral in Galicia
Santiago de Compostela Cathedral is one of the most popular Spain pilgrimage sites (if not the most popular catholic pilgrimage in Spain) and is host to millions of pilgrims from around the world each year.
This beautiful cathedral is located in Galicia and is the final destination of the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. It is an iconic symbol of the Catholic faith and is said to contain the tomb of St. James the Apostle.
The cathedral is home to many spectacular works of art, including the renowned Portico de la Gloria, and its ancient stone walls are filled with stories and tales of faith.
This post may contain affiliate links. This means that I get a small commission when you buy something by clicking through the links in this post at NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU. In other words, even if you go straight to their website, you will pay the same price. Read the full disclosure policy here.2. Avila Cathedral in Avila
Avila Cathedral (Cathedral of the Saviour) is an awe-inspiring example of Romanesque-Gothic architecture located in the city of Avila, Spain. Built in the 12th century, the cathedral is a powerful symbol of faith and devotion and is one of the most popular Catholic pilgrimage sites in Spain.
It is home to many works of religious art, including a magnificent altar and stunning stained-glass windows. The cathedral is a must-see for anyone visiting Avila.
🤩 Book Your Avila Cathedral & City Tour
3. Valencia Cathedral in Valencia
Valencia Cathedral (Metropolitan Cathedral–Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady of Valencia) is a stunning example of Spanish Gothic architecture and one of the most popular Catholic pilgrimage sites in Spain.
Located in the city of Valencia, the cathedral dates back to the 13th century and is home to many works of religious art.
RELATED: 3 days Pilgrimage To Valencia, Spain with Kids (+ some Sightseeing)
It is dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and home to the Holy Chalice which is believed to be the Holy Grail that Jesus used during the Last Supper with His disciples.
4. Sanctuary of the Apparitions in Pontevedra
The Sanctuary of the Apparitions in Pontevedra, Galicia, is closely connected to the story of Our Lady of Fátima. This is where Sister Lúcia, one of the children who saw the Fátima apparitions in Portugal, experienced further visions of the Child Jesus and the Virgin Mary in 1925 and 1926.
These apparitions are significant because they introduced the devotion of the Five First Saturdays, encouraging Catholics to pray, go to confession, and receive the Eucharist on the first Saturday of five consecutive months.
The sanctuary features a small chapel for prayer, a museum sharing the story of the apparitions, and a convent where Sister Lúcia lived during this time.
Many pilgrims visit to pray, learn more about the Fátima message, and reflect on their faith in this peaceful and spiritual setting.
5. Burgos Cathedral in Burgos
The Cathedral of Saint Mary of Burgos, commonly known as Burgos Cathedral, is an iconic symbol of faith and a powerful reminder of the Catholic faith located in Burgos, Spain.
Built in the 12th century, the cathedral is an awe-inspiring example of Gothic architecture and is home to many works of religious art. Inside the cathedral, visitors can marvel at the intricate stone carvings, the magnificent stained-glass windows, and the grand altar.
The Cathedral was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in October 1984.
We were able to visit this beautiful cathedral when I was still pregnant with our firstborn, but I want to visit once again, so, I can pay more attention to the details and read more about its history before going back.
6. Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liébana in Cantabria
The Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liébana is located in the stunning region of Cantabria, surrounded by the Picos de Europa mountains.
This monastery holds the Lignum Crucis, believed to be the largest piece of the True Cross of Jesus. For centuries, it has been a deeply important place for pilgrims seeking spiritual blessings and a closer connection to their faith.
In addition to its spiritual significance, the monastery is known for its long history, dating back to the 6th century, and its beautiful surroundings.
The combination of sacred relics, peaceful nature, and deep history makes this monastery a treasured place for many.
7. Oviedo Cathedral in Asturias
The Cathedral of Oviedo (also known as Cathedral of San Salvador) in Asturias, Spain is a pilgrimage site for Catholics all over Spain, it is home to one of Catholicism’s most treasured relics – The Holy Shroud Of Oviedo, also known as Sudarium Of Oviedo.
This sacred cloth has been acknowledged by numerous religious authorities and pilgrims alike as the cloth used to cover the head of Jesus Christ after his crucifixion.
The cathedral is also one of the main stopovers for pilgrims who are doing the famous Camino de Santiago (The Way of St. James). There’s a saying that goes:
“Who goes to Santiago but not to Salvador, visits the servant but not the Lord.”
If you are planning on doing the Camino de Santiago in the near or distant future, you should be aware that skipping the Cathedral of Oviedo is not advisable.
8. Seville Cathedral in Seville
The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See, commonly known as The Seville Cathedral, is one of the most popular catholic sites in Spain and is famous for its impressive architecture and rich history. This magnificent cathedral was built in the 16th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is one of the largest cathedrals in the world and is home to several beautiful works of art, including the renowned Giralda bell tower and the tomb of Christopher Columbus.
9. Torreciudad Sanctuary in Huesca
The Sanctuary of Torreciudad is a Marian site built by Saint Josemaria Escriva, the founder of Opus Dei, and also known as the Shrine for families.
The site is also home to a museum that houses works of art, artifacts, and documents related to the life and teachings of Saint Josemaria Escriva.
My family always does a quick visit to the Sanctuary of Torreciudad everytime we go to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes in France. We were blessed to be able to dedicate JP and J (separate visits) to Our Lady of Torreciudad during our visits. We got certificates that I kept until now.
Definitely ask one of the priests or personnel for assistance if you want to dedicate your kid/s during your visit. We didn’t know about this on our first visit, but a priest approached us and explained the tradition of families coming to dedicate their child/children to Our Lady of Torreciudad.
So, we decided to do it for JP., and the next time we visited, we asked a priest if we could do the same for J, and he assisted us. We were even featured on their official site about the dedication of J to Our Lady of Torreciudad.
10. Basilica-Shrine of La Vera Cruz in Murcia
The Basilica-Shrine of La Vera Cruz, located in Caravaca de la Cruz in the region of Murcia, is one of the most sacred places in Spain.
This holy site is home to a double-armed cross believed to contain a fragment of the True Cross of Christ. The relic has drawn pilgrims for centuries, seeking to venerate the cross and find spiritual strength.
The shrine is part of a city declared a Holy City of Catholicism in 1998 by Pope John Paul II, making it one of the few cities in the world with this title.
The journey to Caravaca is an important part of the experience. Pilgrims walk along various routes, known as the Camino de Caravaca, passing through charming villages and peaceful countryside.
The city also hosts the annual Fiesta de la Vera Cruz in May, a time of religious processions and joyful celebrations.
For those looking for a meaningful pilgrimage that is less crowded than the Camino de Santiago, Caravaca de la Cruz offers a unique and rewarding experience.
11. Sagrada Familia Basilica in Barcelona
The Sagrada Familia Basilica in Barcelona is one of the most iconic religious sites in Spain, as well as in Europe. This stunning basilica was designed by the famous architect Antoni Gaudi and is a masterpiece of modernist architecture.
It is a symbol of the Catholic faith and is a popular destination for both pilgrims and tourists alike. The basilica is still under construction and is expected to be completed in 2026.
We were so blessed to have one of our prenup shots in 2016 with Sagrada Familia as the backdrop.
12. Segovia Cathedral in Segovia
The Cathedral of Segovia is an iconic Catholic church located in the city of Segovia, Spain. Built in the 16th century, the cathedral is a stunning example of Gothic architecture in Spain.
The cathedral is home to many works of religious art, including a magnificent altar, gorgeous stained-glass windows, and beautiful stone carvings. The cathedral is a popular destination for religious pilgrims and tourists alike and is a must-see when visiting Segovia.
I was able to visit the Cathedral when I was still working as a househelp in 2009 or 2010. My employers brought me on their vacation in Madrid and one of the side trips was visiting Segovia. But unfortunately, I lost all the photos I had from the trip when my laptop was broken. 🙁
13. Sanctuary of Covadonga in Asturias
The Sanctuary of Covadonga is a sacred place of pilgrimage in Asturias, Spain. The Santa Cueva is where the Virgin of Covadonga can be found.
The sanctuary is also home to the beautiful Basilica of Covadonga which was completed in 1901.
14. Royal Monastery of Saint Mary of Guadalupe in Caceres
The Royal Monastery of Saint Mary of Guadalupe is a Roman Catholic monastery located in Caceres, Spain, and has been considered one of the most important monasteries in Spain for more than four centuries.
The monastery is a stunning example of religious architecture and also has a museum and library, which houses a vast collection of books and artifacts related to the history of the monastery.
It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.
15. Santa Maria de Montserrat Monastery in Catalonia
Santa Maria de Montserrat Monastery is a Benedictine monastery located in Catalonia, Spain. The abbey is a popular site of pilgrimage and devotion and has been visited by millions of Catholic faithful over the centuries.
It is home to a beautiful basilica and some other religious structures, such as a chapel, a library, and a museum.
Inside, visitors can admire the exquisite architecture and stunning works of art, including a beautiful statue of the Virgin of Monserrat. And outside, everyone can be in awe of the amazing rock formations!
16. Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba in Cordoba
The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, also known as the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba, is the cathedral of the Diocese of Cordoba in Andalusia.
It’s also known as the Great Mosque of Cordoba or Mezquita because it was originally built as an Islamic mosque in 785 when Cordoba was considered a Muslim capital. It was then converted into a cathedral in 1236 when Cordoba was captured by the Christian forces during the Reconquista.
17. Monastery of El Escorial in Madrid
The Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, commonly known as Monastery of El Escorial, is an awe-inspiring example of Renaissance architecture (the biggest in the world) located in Madrid, Spain.
The monastery was built in the 15th century, commissioned by King Philip II, and designed by Juan Bautista de Toledo.
It is home to a magnificent basilica, a royal palace, and a library, where visitors can admire exquisite works of art and architecture. It was also declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in November 1984.
18. Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar in Zaragoza
The Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of Pillar in Zaragoza, Spain is said to be the very first church dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. According to ancient tradition, The Apostle James was preaching to what is now Spain and was discouraged because of the failure of his mission. But the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to him as he was praying and instructed him to build a church in her honor. The apparition is also considered the first Marian apparition in history.
The Cathedral-Basilica is a beautiful example of Baroque architecture, built in the 16th century. It is one of the most important Marian shrines in Spain and is a popular destination for pilgrims from all over the world.
The main attraction of the cathedral is an image of the Virgin Mary which is believed to have miraculous powers and is said to be the source of countless miracles. Every year, the feast of Our Lady of the Pillar is celebrated in the cathedral with much pomp and religious fervor.
I’m blessed to have visited the Basilica-Cathedral several times already. Once when I was still single, and twice or thrice after I got married. We always make a stopover everytime my husband has to go to Asturias for work. We want to bring my mom here in the future (when she’ll finally be granted a visa to visit us) because Our Lady of the Pillar is the patroness of our hometown Pilar, Bohol in the Philippines.
Final Thoughts on the Most Popular Catholic Pilgrimage Sites in Spain
Spain’s Catholic pilgrimage sites are places of faith, prayer, and history.
They give pilgrims a chance to connect with God, honor sacred relics, and experience a deeper devotion.
Whether you’re visiting for a personal pilgrimage or to learn more about these holy places, each site offers something special. May your journey bring you peace and spiritual blessings.
Are you planning Catholic pilgrimages to Spain very soon? Which Catholic sites in Spain would you be visiting? Or have you been to any of the Catholic holy sites in Spain listed above? Feel free to share your experiences and thoughts in the comment section below!
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CATHOLIC FAMILY TRAVEL RESOURCES
Looking to book your next family adventure? Feel free to use these resources that are tried and tested by my family.
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Book your accommodation: You can find the best prices on hotels with these two providers: Booking.com (my favorite) if you are located in Europe, and TripAdvisor if you are anywhere else. If you prefer apartment rentals, find the cheapest prices with VRBO.
Book your entrances: Book your tickets to museums and other attractions and avoid the long queue with Tiqets.com.
Book your excursions: Save time and enjoy a hassle-free excursion by hiring professional guides thru GetYourGuide and Viator.
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The Holy Grail is in the cathedral in Valentia. Valaquez painting incathedral Malaga ie execution of St Paul at Tre Fontaine. El Cid in Oviedo for the showing of the Sudarium. Body in Burgos.