7 Top Christian Tourist Destinations

The practice of one’s religion is something that’s very personal and sacred. For many of these religions, a way of enriching one’s religious life is by going on a journey or pilgrimage. Although traveling for religious purposes is not a must for Christians, a Christian pilgrimage is something that can deeply strengthen one’s faith.

Going on a Christian pilgrimage can be something as simple as traveling to places that have religious significance. Traveling itself can shape and develop you – traveling for one’s religion even more so. There are a lot of great Christian tourist destinations, most of which are places that were significant in Christ’s life. Aside from the reenergizing your faith, these places are also great for appreciating Christian art.

Here are some destinations you can add to your travel list.

• Israel. Among the most popular Christian tourist destinations is the Holy Land. Among the places to see in Israel are Nazareth which is the birthplace of Jesus, the Sea of Galilee where Jesus walked on water, and Jerusalem where Jesus was crucified. Make sure to also visit the Mount of Beatitudes, Via Dolorosa, and the Tomb of the Patriarchs. There won’t be a lack of religiously significant places in Israel and it’s best to set several days for your trip.

• Vatican City. Aside from being the smallest country in the world, the Vatican City is the center of the Catholic faith, making it a very popular destination for Catholic Christians. Some of the top places to visit in the Vatican City are the St. Peter’s Square, the Sistine Chapel, the Vatican museums, and the Basilica of St. Peter.

• Lourdes, France. This southern French town is popular among Marian devotees and Catholic Christians. This is site where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to a woman on 18 occasions. The grotto in Lourdes has a spring where pilgrims bathe in or drink from.

• Greece. For many Christians, Greece is not just a good travel destination, it is also the place where St. Paul preached to the ancient Greeks. These places are in Athens and Corinth and tours through these locations are very popular.

• Portugal. Another popular destination for Marian devotees, the Fatima town in Portugal is where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to three shepherd children. There is a Basilica in Fatima that has been built in commemoration of the apparition. This Basilica is a must-see itself for pilgrims because of its beauty.

• Brazil. The famous sculpture of Christ the Redeemer is iconic and makes Rio de Janeiro in Brazil a top destination for Christians. This country is predominantly Catholic and there are a lot of beautiful cathedrals that are worth visiting.

• Egypt. This country may not immediately come to mind when you think of Christian travel destinations but the oldest working Christian monastery here is worth a trip. Saint Catherine’s monastery is located high in Mount Sinai, so it is a trip for the more adventurous Christians. Mount Sinai itself is considered a holy site because it is

said to be the mountain mentioned in the Bible.

By RANA TARAKJI