The Waldensian Trail of Faith & Heritage Museum

Oct. 10, 2026 

One Day Pilgrimage to Valdese, NC

Join us for a unique one-day pilgrimage to the North Carolina foothills. There, in the charming town of Valdese, you will witness the unfolding of an adventure in faith, as the Waldensians journeyed from the Alpine Valleys of Italy to America more than a century ago. Relive their experience on our tour of the Waldensian Trail of Faith, which brings their struggles to life, commemorates their sacrifices and celebrates their triumphs. Our group also will visit the Waldensian Heritage Museum, which houses the largest collection of Waldensian artifacts in the United States.

On this pilgrimage, you can immerse yourself in the rich history of a people whose faith was as constant as the ancient Alps. In 1893, twenty-nine Waldenses arrived in Burke County, NC to prepare a place for several hundred more immigrants. In 1897, the settlers began work on a Romanesque church resembling those found in the valleys of Italy. Two years later, the church sanctuary, which you will have the opportunity to see, was completed and dedicated on July 4, 1899. This will be your chance to learn about Christian pilgrims who refused religious authority in their homeland in order to follow Jesus as they were led. 

We understand that not everyone can manage or afford an overseas pilgrimage experience. This is the Center’s second domestic pilgrimage since our founding, and the first single-day pilgrimage. It will be led by CSW staff member Joni Pavlik, who proposed it after making her own journey to Valdese and seeing for herself the power of the Waldensians’ story.

Registration is available at two levels: $69 per person (Admission Plus) and $49 per person (Basic Admission). Admission Plus includes a donation to help cover the cost of this and other programs in order to make them more affordable at the Basic Admission rate. Both levels include a homemade Italian lunch.

Email Joni, communications@centersw.org, for more info!