ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses pilgrimage in the Gallic and Germanic provinces of the Roman Empire. Pilgrimage is understood as a journey made with the purpose of reaching a sacred destination. The typical building structures of pilgrimage sanctuaries in the Roman North have been emphasized by Philip Kiernan in a recently published paper. Besides the temples themselves, pilgrimage centres are often characterized by the presence of theatres, baths, open spaces and hostels. The chapter analyzes sanctuaries located at water sources in light of the concept of pilgrimage as a case study among the various sanctuaries characterized by their natural surroundings. In most cases, archaeologists distinguish between thermal and mineral healing springs or spas, rather than mineral and non-mineral as do balneologists. Spring sanctuaries connected with non-natives known from there thus serve as examples of pilgrimage destinations. In addition, numerous sanctuaries can be named that were located outside antique settlements and were therefore presumably the destination of pilgrims.
