The aim of many a pilgrimage (5)

I believe the answer is:

mecca

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'the aim' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both locations as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's an association between them I don't understand?

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for mecca that I've seen before include "Mohammed's birthplace" , "Holiest city of Islam" , "Tourist magnet" , "Islam's holiest city" , "place with devoted visitors" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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