Sanctuaries of Our Lady of Lourdes Guide
Sanctuaries of Lourdes: A Place of Pilgrimage and Healing Guide
The Sanctuaries of Our Lady of Lourdes, a sprawling complex of religious sites, is the heart of Lourdes and one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in the world. Millions of visitors flock here each year seeking healing, solace, and spiritual renewal. From the Grotto of Massabielle, where the Virgin Mary appeared to Saint Bernadette, to the various basilicas and chapels, the Sanctuaries offer a profound and moving experience for people of all faiths. The story of Lourdes began in 1858 when the Virgin Mary appeared to a young peasant girl, Bernadette Soubirous, in the Grotto of Massabielle. During these apparitions, the Virgin Mary instructed Bernadette to dig in the ground, revealing a spring of water that is believed to have healing properties. News of the apparitions and the miraculous cures attributed to the spring spread quickly, and Lourdes soon became a major pilgrimage site. Over the years, the Sanctuaries have grown to include several basilicas, chapels, and other facilities to accommodate the ever-increasing number of visitors. Visitors to the Sanctuaries can participate in a variety of activities, including attending Mass, visiting the Grotto of Massabielle, bathing in the healing waters of the baths, and participating in the nightly Marian procession. The Sanctuaries also offer guided tours and opportunities for prayer and reflection. While in Lourdes, be sure to try the local "galette des rois" (king cake) during the Epiphany season, a delicious pastry traditionally shared with family and friends.
Transportation
Lourdes is easily accessible by train and bus. From the Lourdes train station, the Sanctuaries are a 15-20 minute walk. Local buses also run frequently from the station to the Sanctuaries area. Look for signs directing you to the Sanctuaries or ask at the tourist information center near the train station.