Lourdes in Southwestern France is one of the most-visited centers of Christian pilgrimages primarily on account of the famous Marian apparitions that are supposed to have taken place in 1858.

Nestled in the foothill of the Pyrenees, Lourdes is a small French town that shot into limelight in 1858 after reports that Our Lady of Lourdes had supernaturally appeared to Bernadette Soubiros on several occasions. Following reports of these Marian appearances and several accounts of miraculous healing, the place emerged as an important pilgrim center for Christians from all around the world, especially Catholics. The primary destination of pilgrims in Lourdes is the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes where the highlights are the candlelight and sacrament processions. Other than that, visitors also make it a point to bathe in the spring water that wells out of the grotto outside the Sanctuary and which is reputed to have healing powers.

Today Lourdes is visited by some 5,000,000 pilgrims and tourists each season from March to October and is the largest pilgrimage destination in all of France. Lourdes in fact has the highest number of hotels in France after the national capital Paris. To avail best Lourdes hotel deals and advance reservation, visit www.ooaha.com.

Santiago di Compostela in northwestern Spain is a major pilgrimage destination for Christians where legend says that the remains of the apostle St James are interred.

The Cathedral of Santiago di Compostela is where pilgrims come in from all over the world as it forms the final point in the Way of St James, an important pilgrimage route which continues to exist from the 9th century. The Cathedral stands on the edge of the main plaza of the old city and is reputed to be the burial place of St James, one of the Apostles of Jesus Christ. The Cathedral is primarily built in the Gothic style with a profusion of classic details. Some of the most significant features of the Cathedral are the 12the century Portico da Gloria behind the Western façade as well as the golden mollusc shell adorning the altar which is kissed by a steady stream of pilgrims as a sign of homage.

The huge significance of the Cathedral and the city of Santiago di Compostela as a Christian pilgrim site was further confirmed when it was declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO and also the European City of Culture of the year 2000. The city of Santiago di Compostela offers a wide range of lodging options to its pilgrims and visitors who can check out the best Santiago di Compostela hotel deals at www.ooahha.com .