Pilgrimage in Mediaeval Europe was highly developed and important - and had a significant effect on local economies. Destinations included Rome (Italy), the shrine dedicated to St. James at Santiago de Compostela (Spain), and Trondheim (then known as Nidaros, Norway). Most routes have a history which predates Christianity. In recent years, there has been a revival of interest in these traditional routes

• for pilgrims (still)
• for walkers, cyclists, and even horse-riders
• as a focus for local tourism investment
• and as an impetus for European identity and cooperation across borders.