Kiliani Pilgrimage Week Würzburg

A Heritage of Over a Thousand Years

The Kiliani Pilgrimage Week commemorates the three Apostles of the Franks, Kilian, Kolonat, and Totnan, who proclaimed the Christian faith in Würzburg over 1,300 years ago and died a martyr's death for it. The veneration of the three saints has a tradition of over a thousand years and remains a defining element for Catholic Lower Franconia to this day.

Program of the Pilgrimage Week

During the pilgrimage week, the relics of the Apostles of the Franks are exhibited and venerated in processions in the Kiliansdom. The Diocese of Würzburg organizes a dense program of pontifical masses, services, ecumenical celebrations, and special formats. In past years, these included a "Night of Hope," an ecumenical service, and visits to hospices and palliative care units. Family-friendly activities and discovery rallies also invite younger guests to the bishop's city.

Between Piety and Folk Festival

Parallel to the pilgrimage week, the Kiliani Folk Festival (Volksfest) with amusement rides takes place in Würzburg, complemented by the Kiliani Fair (Messe) in the city center. Thus, spiritual reflection and secular festivities combine to form one of the most defining dates in Würzburg's annual calendar.

Regional Context

Würzburg is an independent city and the seat of the bishop in the Lower Franconia administrative region of Bavaria. The Kiliani Pilgrimage attracts thousands of pilgrims from the entire diocese each year and is considered the spiritual highlight of the Franconian church year.