Among the highlighted itineraries, Gyuricza emphasized the significance of the Camino Lebaniego, which leads to the Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liébana—one of the few places in the world recognized as a Holy City. She also highlighted the Camino de la Vera Cruz, centered in Caravaca de la Cruz, another Holy City recognized by the Holy See. Both routes offer not only spiritual paths but also deep immersion in areas of great scenic, cultural, and human value.
Naturally, the Camino de Santiago held a prominent place in her presentation, with special attention given to some of its lesser-known variants that hold great historical and devotional importance. In particular, she spoke of the Camino Primitivo, which begins in Oviedo following the footsteps of King Alfonso II the Chaste, considered the first pilgrim to the tomb of the apostle James. She also mentioned the Camino del Rocío, which symbolically connects the apostle with the Virgin of El Rocío, representing a unique round-trip pilgrimage between two major centers of devotion on the Iberian Peninsula.
Audience interest grew upon learning about some of the most valuable treasures of Spain’s religious heritage. Gyuricza highlighted the Holy Shroud housed in the Holy Chamber of Oviedo Cathedral, a millennia-old relic venerated since the Middle Ages. She also mentioned the Holy Grail kept in Valencia Cathedral, an artifact that has captured the imagination of both believers and scholars, making the city another key pilgrimage destination.
For those wishing to follow in the footsteps of great saints, the coordinator presented two spiritually and historically impactful routes: the Route of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, tracing the steps of the founder of the Jesuits from his birthplace to Manresa; and the Footsteps of Teresa of Jesus, an itinerary linking key sites in the life and work of the saint from Ávila, reformer of the Carmelite order and Doctor of the Church.
A special mention was given to Aragón, through the initiative “Aragón with Soul,” recognized for blending Marian devotion with a rich legacy of popular religiosity. The drum parades, processions, and network of Marian shrines make Aragón a vibrant and spiritual region. Moreover, as Gyuricza pointed out, Aragón is a true crossroads, where several of the aforementioned pilgrimage routes pass through, alongside others still waiting to be discovered and experienced.
In the words of the coordinator, “the pilgrimage routes in Spain are an intangible treasure of incalculable value, a vehicle for transmitting ancient messages, and a powerful tool for sustainability and territorial cohesion.” The World Network of Religious Tourism emphasized its commitment to the responsible promotion, conservation, and appreciation of these routes as engines of local development and cultural exchange.
The event in Szolnok concluded with a rich exchange among attendees, who expressed strong interest in learning more about spiritual routes in Spain and participating in future collaborations that bring both countries closer together through religious tourism. Kata Sara Gyuricza’s presentation not only inspired admiration for Spain’s spiritual and cultural heritage but also laid the groundwork for greater international cooperation around pilgrimage as a transformative and universal experience.
