Lourdes
AbrahamicChristianshrineWestern Europe1858 CE - present
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Location
Modern Name
Sanctuaires Notre-Dame de Lourdes
Country
France
Region
Western Europe
Coordinates
43.0962, -0.0456
Era
1858 CE - present
Site Type
Shrine
About
The world's most visited Marian pilgrimage site, where 14-year-old Bernadette Soubirous reported 18 apparitions of the Virgin Mary in 1858.
Significance
The spring water at Lourdes has been associated with thousands of reported healings, 70 of which the Catholic Church has officially recognized as miraculous.
History & Historical Arc
Bernadette's apparitions occurred between February and July 1858; the shrine was established and the Basilica of the Imm…
Archaeological Notes
The Grotto of Massabielle where apparitions occurred is a natural limestone cave; geological surveys confirm the spring'…
Key Features & Structures
- Grotto of Massabielle
- Basilica of the Immaculate Conception
Visitor Information
Sanctuary open year-round; Grotto free; baths available (queues can be long); peak season April-October; many internatio…
Related Figures
Bernadette SoubirousBishop Laurence of Tarbes