| Summary: | This article is based on a study of the existing literature and field work on sites of pilgrimages. It is structured in three parts: pilgrimage and space, the polysemy of pilgrimages and a presentation of three examples of pilgrimages. First we discuss the relationship of pilgrimages with <em>space</em>. Going on pilgrimage implies a “displacement” towards a “particular place”, where there is an “internal circuit” laid out for pilgrims and visitors. Finally, we point out the “territory of recruitment”, where the pilgrims live. In a second part we discuss the <em>polysemy </em>of the pilgrimages. Persons may go on pilgrimage towards historic places of a religion to “revive” its message. It may also be “an act of devotion” or a “penitential activity”. Pilgrimages were and still are an “affirmation of an identity” and finally we stress “the logic of requests”. These are analytical distinctions but pilgrimages are mostly a combination of these functions. Finally, we present <em>three examples of pilgrimages</em>: one to the Relic of the Holy Blood of Jesus Christ in Bruges (Belgium), another to a Marian sanctuary in Banneux (Belgium) and finally the pilgrimage to St James of Compostela (Spain).
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