Ruta Mariana

Ruta Mariana (The Marian Route) is a pilgrimage route connecting 5 Marian shrines in Spain, France and Andorra, around the Pyrenees Mountains. It comprises of the following sanctuaries:

Lourdes in France
Montserrat in Spain
Meritxell in Andorra
Torreciudad in Spain
Zaragoza in Spain

The Marian Route is both a pilgrimage and touristic route that connects places known for their importance in the history of the Church in these three countries. The churches are known for their devotion to the Holy Mary. All these places are especially recommended for all pilgrims, who have a desire to get to know the Marian shrines of Western Europe. But the Marian Route is much more due to marvellous views of the Pyrenees Mountains and its nature, with many interesting monuments along the way like bridges, churches, palaces and castles. It offers the unique experience of tasting Spanish, French and Andorran cuisines, and to discover even more while being surrounded by the customs, languages and people of these countries, which will make you feel as if you were travelling back in time.

MONTSERRAT

This Catalan Sanctuary, next to Barcelona, is set in a special location on the uniquely shaped and beautiful mountain of Montserrat. The name Montserrat means “sawed mountain” in Catalan. Positioned at a stunning height of 700 m over the cliffs, it offers amazing views of the whole region of Catalonia from its summit. The sanctuary church has a small wooden figure of the Black Madonna of Montserrat. To add to the experience you can arrive there by a breath-taking cable car or funicular. Every day at 12.00 am there is a concert by the young singers’ choir of L’Escolania de Montserrat, one of the most important choirs in Europe. Getting to know Montserrat is a perfect idea for a half-day or a 1-day excursion from Barcelona. The Holy Mary of Montserrat is the patron saint of Catalonia.

MERITXELL

Located in the central part of Andorra the Sanctuary of Meritxell is the most important place for the Catholic Church in the little country of the Pyrenees. You will find two churches there: the older one, which is a monument of Romanesque Style and the new sanctuary, designed by the famous Catalan architect Ricardo Bofill. His inspirations for the project were the Andorran landscapes, its mountains and valleys. Nowadays, the day of the Holy Virgin of Meritxell is one of only four bank holidays in Andorra (8th of September). The Holy Mary of Meritxell is the patron saint of this traditionally religious country.

LOURDES

Located on the north side of the Pyrenees Mountains, Lourdes is the most important place for pilgrims in France. It is here that the Holy Mary revealed a secret to young Bernadette in the local Occitan language. Lourdes not only has the shrine, but it is also an historic old town with many interesting monuments. The city is very close to the High Pyrenees Mountains' main range. This sanctuary is especially dedicated to sick and disabled people. The main attraction for religious tourists coming here are the unique nightly processions.

TORRECIUDAD

This place is well known for being the Spanish sanctuary of Opus Dei. It already had pilgrims hundreds of years before it was built, but the development of this shrine was thanks to Saint Jose Maria de Balaguer, the founder of Opus Dei, who as a child was healed there in miraculous way. Especially interesting is the avant-garde tower of the church, which dominates the local landscape – with the view of the mountain and the lake. The Sanctuary is dedicated to the Family.

ZARAGOZA

Tradition says that theduring his travel in Spain, Apostle James saw a life-like imag of Mary next to the river Ebro. Today the Sanctuary of Pilar in Zaragoza is the biggest Baroque church of Spain and one of the most brilliant and exquisite religious centres in Western Europe. You can even take in some of Goya’s frescoes inside the shrine. The Virgin revealed herself to St. James as if she was standing on a marble column (in Spanish: pilar), which was used in the construction of the first church. The word “pilar” has even become a female name in Spain. The Holy Mary of Pilar is the saint patron of Spain as well. Now Zaragoza is a young and active city of sciences and culture, which even held the World Expo 2008.

Package offer:

1 overnight stay with breakfast in 3* Hotel in Montserrat
2 overnight stays with breakfast in 3* Hotel in Andorra
2 overnight stays with breakfast in 3* Hotel in Lourdes
1 overnight stay with breakfast in 3* Hotel in Barbastro (Torreciudad)
1 overnight stay with breakfast in 3* Hotel in Zaragoza

Price from 266,00 € per person

To prepare your route please contact us with specific dates and we will be happy to send you attractive hotel’s offers, rates of English-speaking guides, additional places and tourist attractions on the way as well as offers for coach transport for groups and for individual Customers, fly & drive or private transfer options.

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