Historic Journeys to Sacred Places

In a world of touchscreens and instant knowledge, going on a journey for the good of the soul might seem strange. But pilgrimage¿spiritual travel¿has witnessed a huge resurgence. Why? We¿ll investigate the pilgrimage through its long history, studying routes to some of the world¿s most sacred places to consider this fundamental form of spiritual and personal expression. From Rome and Mecca, to Japan and Tibet, to Wales and California, these often-spectacular routes inspire, test, and reward travelers. Who travels on these routes and how do they travel? Who and what guides travelers on their way? What motivates these journeys and how did travelers access the spaces they desired to see? What objects testify to pilgrimage and the desire for salvation and remembrance? Indeed, what happens once we get to where we¿re going? Working with personal accounts and with texts on cultural heritage, walking, pilgrimage, spirituality and individual growth, we shall emphasize these questions as we study some of the most well-trodden paths and most famous places in global history.