Pilgrimages in the Medieval Europe

Abstract

Going on pilgrimage in medieval Europe is an act of worship that every faithful Christian wants to fulfill. Since there are no reliable records, the true extent of the pilgrimage in this period is not known, but when we look at the records, history books, wills and institutions established on the pilgrimage routes, it is understood that the number is high. In some years, this number is higher than normal. For example, in the first jubilee year of 1300, the number of pilgrims visiting Rome rose from about 200,000 to over two million. This year is thought to be the year with the most pilgrimages during the Middle Ages, as the first jubilee was declared and the forgiveness of sins was promised for the first time. People living in medieval Europe believed that sickness and bad luck were caused by sin, and the only remedy was repentance. Visiting the local tombs is often enough to meet the needs of the pilgrims. Although it is not known exactly why they visited these places, it is possible to find relevant information in the books about the miracles of the saints. The wish of most of them is forgiveness of sins. On the other hand, pilgrimage is not the only way of forgiveness of sins. A person on his deathbed can choose a priest with the permission of the pope to have his sins forgiven. Contributing to the construction of roads and bridges, giving alms to hospitals and the poor, and praying for the dead are also ways to obtain forgiveness. Especially since the 12th century, people take a self-motivating oath before going on pilgrimage. It is important whether the oath is spoken or written in the presence of witnesses. Failure to take the oath of pilgrimage to Rome, Jerusalem, or Compostela requires a personal appeal to the pope for pardon or commutation. The papal records contain responses to such appeals. People first wrote why they took the oath and then why they could not fulfill it. Age, illness, repeated pregnancies, working in the king's service are among