What places did people visit on pilgrimages?
There were many places that people could journey to on a pilgrimage, but Jerusalem was the greatest and most important pilgrimage. Jerusalem was special because it was the place where Jesus taught. Another reason for a place of pilgrimage being thought of as very impressive was if it involved a long or difficult journey. Santiago de Compostela in north-western Spain was another great pilgrimage, because it took a long time for pilgrims to complete the difficult journey that was needed to reach this place where St Jamess remains were said to be buried. The first known pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela took place in AD 950. Rome was, as it is for Catholics today, an important place for people to visit because it was where the pope lived and many saints and martyrs (people who died for their religious beliefs) were buried there. Not everyone could take such long journeys. Some pilgrimages were easier and shorter than those to Jerusalem and Santiago de Compostela. English people could g
