Sacred Wonders and Sustainable Experiences – 5 European Marian Shrines Everyone Should Visit

Seville is a pioneer of sustainable tourism in Spain: the city has been awarded the title of European Capital of Smart Tourism, using advanced data-driven systems to manage visitor flows and actively promoting eco-friendly transport – through the development of tram networks, bike-sharing schemes, and green parks. It also regularly hosts international conferences on sustainable tourism, reinforcing its European role in the green transition.

The story and miracles of the Marian statue:
The statue of “La Virgen de la Esperanza Macarena” – Our Lady of Hope – was created in the 17th century, though its exact sculptor is debated, with Juan de Mesa most often credited. The statue is remarkable for its life-size depiction and extraordinary emotional expression of the Sorrowful Virgin. Glass tears glisten on her face, and according to legend, these tears have appeared spontaneously on several occasions – revered by the faithful as a miraculous weeping.

The statue is surrounded by many stories:

• During the Spanish Civil War, locals believed that the Virgin’s intercession spared Seville from greater destruction.

• Numerous accounts tell of unexpected healings, reconciliations, or solutions to hopeless situations following prayers before the statue.

• The locals particularly turned to the Macarena during difficult times – such as pandemics or economic crises – referring to her as “Seville’s Mother.”

The statue’s adornments are also special: the Virgin wears a golden crown and a richly embroidered mantle, often decorated with gifts and offerings from the faithful as tokens of gratitude.

Csíksomlyó is not only the heart of religious tourism but also an integral part of the cultural and community life of Miercurea Ciuc. During the Pentecost pilgrimage, hundreds of thousands gather here, but the region offers rich tourist experiences year-round: hiking, local gastronomy – such as the authentic flavours of Székely cuisine – and traditional events await visitors. Miercurea Ciuc is increasingly focusing on sustainability, aiming to reduce tourism’s ecological footprint by improving public transport and promoting local products. Thus, alongside religious and cultural experiences, the town and its surroundings are an attractive destination for responsible travellers.

The history of the shrine:
The Franciscan monastery and shrine of Csíksomlyó were built in the 15th century and became an important pilgrimage site even then: local believers regularly made pilgrimages here to honour Our Lady of Help. The site gained special significance in 1567 when John Sigismund, Prince of Transylvania, sought to promote the Protestant faith and sent troops to subdue the Catholic Székelys. However, the Székelys gathered in the hills of Csíksomlyó, sought the Virgin’s protection, and defeated the prince’s army. Believers attributed the victory to Mary’s intercession and vowed to return to the shrine every Pentecost in gratitude. This marked the origin of the Csíksomlyó pilgrimage, which remains the largest Hungarian-language pilgrimage in the Carpathian Basin.

The story of the Marian statue:
The late Gothic “Our Lady of Help of Csíksomlyó” statue in the church was created in the early 16th century, standing over two metres tall, making it one of Europe’s largest devotional statues. Believers consider it miraculous: the statue is associated with healings, answered prayers, and the historical survival of the Székely community.

Located in the Maros Valley, Máriaradna is one of Transylvania’s most important Marian shrines, attracting pilgrims and cultural enthusiasts for centuries. The Baroque shrine church and Franciscan monastery are not only sacred centres but also architectural treasures. Visitors can enjoy religious experiences while discovering the natural beauty of the Maros region and its local gastronomy. Recent renovations have incorporated energy-efficient solutions and local community collaboration to strengthen sustainable tourism, preserving the heritage of the past while embracing a responsible vision for the future.

The history of the shrine:
Since the 17th century, local Catholics have come to Máriaradna to pray, and the Franciscans soon established a monastery there. In the 18th century, with the support of Maria Theresa, a grand Baroque church was built, becoming one of the most important religious centres in the Banat region. The shrine has faced threats from wars over the years, but the faithful have always rebuilt it.

The story of the Marian image:
The origins of the pilgrimages trace back to a 17th-century Marian image that miraculously survived a Turkish attack. According to tradition, the church was set on fire, but the sacred image remained intact amidst the flames. This miracle initiated the Marian devotion at Máriaradna, and for centuries, believers have sought comfort, healing, and intercession before the image.

Croatia’s national shrine, home to the famous Black Madonna statue and its surrounding basilica, has been a centre of Croatian Catholic identity for centuries. Alongside religious experiences, the picturesque Zagorje landscape, local wines and gastronomy, and traditional crafts make the town an appealing destination. 

The history of the shrine:
Since the 16th century, Marija Bistrica has played a central role in Croatian Catholicism. During the Ottoman occupation, the town became a symbol of preserving faith and identity. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the shrine gained national significance, with numerous Croatian bishops and even Pope John Paul II visiting.

The story of the Marian statue:
The famous Black Madonna statue was created in the 15th century. During the Ottoman threat, the parish priest hid it to protect it from destruction, but according to tradition, the statue miraculously reappeared several times. This recurring miracle made the shrine one of the most sacred places for the Croatian people. Over the centuries, the statue has been associated with numerous answered prayers and healings, and the faithful continue to surround it with votive plaques and offerings.

Historical background:
In 1923, Pope Pius XI declared Marija Bistrica a national shrine, recognising its national importance. In 1984, Pope John Paul II visited the shrine, reinforcing the cult of the Marian statue, which remains a central element of Croatia’s spiritual life.

Szentkút is Hungary’s national shrine and part of the Novohrad–Nógrád UNESCO Global Geopark. The area’s unique geological heritage – karst springs, rock formations, and nature trails – hosts numerous geotourism programmes, making the region attractive for both spiritual experiences and eco-tourism. The shrine’s pilgrim restaurant offers GEOfood-certified dishes made from local ingredients, combining religious and gastronomic experiences with sustainable tourism.

What legends are associated with the pilgrimage site? 

Several legends surround the origin of the Szentkút spring:

• The shepherd boy’s vision: According to tradition, in the 12th century, the Virgin Mary appeared to a shepherd boy, and a spring emerged where her foot touched the ground. The water became associated with numerous healings and miracles, giving the shrine its name.

• The Saint Ladislaus legend: Another tradition tells of King Saint Ladislaus, who, while fleeing the Cumans in the Mátra forests, struck a rock with his sword to quench his thirst, and a spring emerged. This spring became the centre of pilgrimage, believed to possess healing powers to this day.