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Most famous religious destinations in Europe
Monumental gothic cathedrals and historic monastery trails in Europe
Europe's cities are full of churches, and for a lot of travelers, even ones who rarely go to church at home, a famous cathedral is one of the first things they visit after arriving.
Some people come to see the big landmarks, like St. Peter's Basilica in Rome or the Sagrada Família in Barcelona. Others walk a pilgrimage route, and the Camino de Santiago is also popular with hikers who care more about the walk than the faith. There are also places like Lourdes, where the focus is on healing, and the monasteries of Meteora in Greece, where the setting on top of huge rocks is a big part of the experience.
Summer is often very busy at the big names, so booking tickets ahead or going early in the morning can save time in line. Smaller village churches and monasteries are easy to miss, but they are often just as beautiful.