Abstract: The author considers the problem of the essence of the phenomenon of pilgrimage and its manifestations using the example of pilgrimage activities of the Russian Empire in Palestine in the second half of the 19th – early 20th centuries. The methodological basis of the research is the provisions of neorealism and the systems approach, the derivative of which was the use of historical-genetic, comparative and activity methods. It is shown that pilgrimage is defined as a journey to holy places and relics of sacred significance along a certain route for religious, health or other purposes. This activity includes four stages and is characterized by the presence of seven functions: spiritual-educational; educational; missionary; communication; uniting parishes; charitable; exchange of experience. The tradition of traveling to holy places has existed throughout human history. In the Christian era the inextricable connection of pilgrimage with religious experience became a special practice. It was revealed that the experience of Russian pilgrimage includes five stages. The third (Palestinian) stage is characterized by an increase in the Russian Empire's interest in the Middle East region. This necessitated the need to argue Russia’s intentions regarding the territories of the Ottoman Empire, contributing to the strengthening of the Russian spiritual presence in Palestine and the intensification of the pilgrimage movement in this direction, which from the second half of the 19th century consistently supported at the state and church levels. As a result, the Russian Spiritual Mission was founded, land plots were acquired and developed in the Holy Land, and infrastructure was created. State and church structures accompanying this activity were founded. Then the Imperial Orthodox Palestine Society was created, which became the main organizer of the Russian spiritual presence, missionary and pilgrimage activities in the region during the period under review.