What do we call a road traveler who goes to holy places?

The story behind the answer

A pilgrim is a traveler who journeys specifically for religious devotion to a sacred site, such as Jerusalem, Rome, or Santiago de Compostela. In contrast, “pilgrimage” is the journey itself, a “wayfarer” is any traveler without sacred purpose implied, and a “devotee” is a faithful follower who may never travel. In the Middle Ages, going on pilgrimage was both an act of piety and a penance, often believed to bring spiritual merit or healing.

These journeys shaped medieval life: they fueled local economies, spread ideas and art styles, and even standardized routes and hostels. Pilgrim badges—like the scallop shell of Santiago—served as souvenirs and proof of completion. Literary works such as Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales reflect the diverse social mix found on the road to holy shrines.