Bratislava Dubnica Holic Klastor pod Znievom Kosice Kralova Levoca Mala Vieska Modranka Nitra Obisovce Prievidza Radvan Rajecka Rudnik Sastin Skalica Sokolovce Stare Hory Trnava Trstena Visnove Vranov nad Toplou Dubnica

Pilgrimage places in Slovakia

From times immemorial people made pilgrimages to the places which were conected in some way with the religions consciousness.

A man is atracted by the places which are remarkable because of some peculiar event. Such people-pilgrims were known already in ancient times, but they still exist today.

The pilgrimage was and still is important for a man from two points of view: spiritual and social. In spiritual sphere it was first of all the act of penance and getting indulgences for committed sins. Peaple could get it only in the places where God was present that is why they worshipped the picture or the statue which is considered to be miraculous. In social sphere people could get known each other, communicate and inform about latest events.

Processions were held according to established order. At the head of the procession the cross was carried, then flags and after that the picture or the statue. During the procession the pilgrims sang religions songs and prayed.

There were several motivations why people decided to go on pilgrimage. First of all it was a great respect to the holy place, then spiritual consolation, help in troubles, sustenance for further life through sermons, meditations, prayers and resolutions.