Why did people go on pilgrimage during romanesque?

During the Romanesque period, people went on pilgrimage primarily for spiritual reasons, seeking penance, healing, or a deeper connection with the divine. Pilgrimages to sacred sites, such as Santiago de Compostela, offered opportunities for religious devotion and communal experiences. Additionally, many believed that visiting holy relics could grant them spiritual benefits, including forgiveness of sins or miraculous healings. The pilgrimage also served as a means of social interaction and cultural exchange among diverse groups.