When Did Pilgrimage Start?

Aside from the early example of Origen in the third century, surviving descriptions of Christian pilgrimages

to the Holy Land date from the 4th century, when pilgrimage was encouraged by church fathers including Saint Jerome, and established by Saint Helena, the mother of Constantine the Great.

Where did Christians go on pilgrimages?

Christian pilgrims travel to Bethlehem, particularly at Christmas time to attend services in the Church of the Nativity. Some pilgrims kiss the star representing the birthplace of Christ to show their devotion .

What is the history of the pilgrimage to the Holy Land?

To a Christian, Jerusalem during the Middle Ages (500–1500) was both a place on a map and an idea. Christians wanted to see the buildings that the Roman emperor Constantine had erected to house the holy sites during his reign in the fourth century. ...