Eastern Europe is home to a wealth of spiritual and historical pilgrimage sites, where faith, tradition, and cultural heritage converge. Czechia, Slovakia, and Hungary offer deeply revered monasteries, miraculous shrines, and sacred trails that have welcomed pilgrims for centuries. These destinations provide both spiritual enrichment and a connection to the region’s religious past.
Czechia: Monastic Heritage and Miraculous Icons
Czechia’s religious history is reflected in its monasteries and Marian pilgrimage sites, many of which date back to the medieval period.
The Pilgrimage Basilica of Our Lady of the Holy Hill (Svatá Hora, Příbram)
One of the most important Marian shrines in Czechia, Svatá Hora ("Holy Mountain") has been a major pilgrimage destination since the 17th century.
The Baroque basilica houses the revered statue of the Virgin Mary, believed to have miraculous powers.
Pilgrims often ascend the covered staircase from Příbram to the sanctuary as an act of devotion.
Vyšší Brod Monastery
A Cistercian monastery founded in 1259, this sacred site is known for its medieval manuscripts and Gothic architecture.
Pilgrims and visitors can admire its illuminated manuscripts, Renaissance altarpieces, and tranquil cloisters.
The Church of St. John of Nepomuk (Zelená Hora)
A UNESCO-listed pilgrimage church, built in the early 18th century, dedicated to St. John of Nepomuk, the Czech patron saint of confessors and bridges.
Its unique star-shaped design symbolizes divine protection and has made it a key pilgrimage destination.
Slovakia: A Land of Sacred Peaks and Marian Shrines
Slovakia is rich in pilgrimage traditions, blending Christian devotion with the beauty of the Carpathian Mountains.
The Basilica of Our Lady of Sorrows (Šaštín-Stráže)
Recognized as Slovakia’s national Marian shrine, this basilica houses a 16th-century statue of Our Lady of Sorrows, the patroness of Slovakia.
It attracts thousands of pilgrims, especially during the annual September 15th feast day celebrations.
Mariánska hora (Marian Hill, Levoča)
One of the most visited pilgrimage sites in Slovakia, with a tradition dating back to the 13th century.
The Basilica of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary sits atop Mariánska hora, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Pilgrims walk up the hill to honor Our Lady of Levoča, whose statue is believed to grant miracles.
Red Monastery (Červený Kláštor)
Nestled in the Pieniny Mountains, this former Carthusian monastery provides a peaceful retreat for those seeking solitude and reflection.
Pilgrims follow the scenic trails along the Dunajec River, combining spiritual contemplation with nature.
Hungary: Ancient Christian Traditions and Miraculous Sites
Hungary’s sacred sites include pilgrimage routes that date back to the country’s conversion to Christianity over a thousand years ago.
The Basilica of Esztergom
As Hungary’s largest church, this basilica is a major religious landmark and the seat of the Hungarian Catholic Church.
The basilica is home to the relics of St. Adalbert and features Europe’s largest altarpiece.
It serves as an important pilgrimage site, especially for those honoring Hungary’s first Christian king, St. Stephen.
The Shrine of Our Lady of Máriapócs
Located in eastern Hungary, Máriapócs is Hungary’s most revered Marian shrine, famous for its miraculous weeping icon of the Virgin Mary.
The site is a center of Greek Catholic pilgrimage, drawing thousands of worshippers each year.
The pilgrimage festival in August is one of the most significant religious events in Hungary.
Pannonhalma Archabbey
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this Benedictine abbey was founded in 996 AD and remains one of the oldest monastic communities in Central Europe.
Pilgrims and visitors come to admire its Romanesque and Gothic architecture, ancient library, and peaceful surroundings.
The abbey’s herbal gardens and vineyards offer a glimpse into the monastic way of life.
The pilgrimage routes of Czechia, Slovakia, and Hungary reveal the deep spiritual traditions of Eastern Europe. Whether seeking the miraculous Black Madonna of Máriapócs, ascending Marian Hill in Levoča, or exploring the historic monasteries of Vyšší Brod and Pannonhalma, these sacred places offer a profound journey of faith and cultural discovery. These sites stand as enduring symbols of devotion, inviting pilgrims and travelers to experience the rich spiritual heritage of the region.