Pilgrimage Routes, Sacred Places, and Contribution to Territories’ Sustainable Development

Abstract

The history of pilgrimage routes and sacred places is intertwined with the history of humanity and has played a crucial role in the development of territories over the centuries. These routes have been responsible for creating many localities and settling territories, creating sustainability that has made them last for generations.

Pilgrimage routes have ancient roots and are common in many religions. The first records of pilgrimage date back to pre-classical and classical times, from ancient Egypt through Persia, India, China, and Japan. Greeks and Romans consulted their local gods and oracles, such as that of Delphi. Hebrew pilgrims travelled to such diverse locations as Dan, Bethel, and Jerusalem. This pilgrimage was an ascetic religious practice in which the pilgrim moved to sacred places, trusting totally in Divine Providence in search of healing, spiritual guidance, and religious experiences. [...]