Pilgrimage with Simon Reeve

Medieval Britons believed that journeys of endurance, suffering and sacrifice would help them get into heaven. But the inspiration behind pilgrimage was not always about religious devotion and piety. It was often a chance for long-suffering peasants to get away from a life of drudgery and possibly engage in a little sin while they were away from home.

One of the most perilous pilgrim routes still traveled today, The Great St Bernard Pass, claimed many lives over the centuries including at least one Pope. But what drives people to embark on such dicey religious quests? In recent times, this type of journey has melded with tourism as pilgrims still tread these pious paths for a variety of reasons, but often stay at luxury hotels along the way.

Perhaps the most important and iconic pilgrimage is the arduous and dangerous journey to reach Jerusalem. Several million people a year, from all religions, come to visit or worship in one of the most highly contested square miles on earth. Some are so overcome by the spiritual experience that they require medical treatment. But why does this part of the world have such an effect on believers?