What is the name for a long journey to a holy place?

The story behind the answer

It denotes a journey undertaken to a sacred site out of religious devotion, penance, fulfillment of a vow, or the hope of healing. Unlike ordinary travel, the purpose is spiritual, with rituals or offerings often performed at the destination.

In the Middle Ages, renowned routes led to Jerusalem, Rome, Santiago de Compostela, and Canterbury. Travelers bore symbols like the scallop shell, and networks of bridges, hospices, and guidebooks arose to support them. This culture inspired works like Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, and authorities sometimes granted indulgences to participants. Though dangerous—due to distance, disease, and bandits—such journeys fostered cultural exchange, spreading ideas, art, and commerce across medieval Europe.