Grotto of Massabielle, Lourdes
View over the Grotto (below the basilica, left) and the River Gave in Lourdes. Photo
Br Lawrence Lew, OP.
Statue of Our Lady of Lourdes at the Grotto of Massabielle. Beneath are Mary's words: "I am the Immaculate Conception." Photo
Anthony. 
Pilgrims at the Grotto of Massabielle. Photo
Br Lawrence Lew, OP.
Sick pilgrims seek physical and spiritual healing at the Grotto of Massabielle. Photo
Br Lawrence Lew, OP.
Dominican friars say Mass at the Grotto. Photo
Br Lawrence Lew, OP.
Pilgrims pray before the Grotto. Photo
Nicholas Thompson.
The most sacred site at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes is the Grotto of Massabielle, also known as the Miraculous Cave or the Cave of Apparitions.
History
The Grotto of Massabielle is the site of St. Bernadette's visions of the Virgin Mary in 1858. The Blessed Virgin is said to have pointed out a previously undiscovered spring in the grotto and instructed Bernadette to drink from it.
What to See
The spring water from the grotto is believed to possess healing properties, and the Roman Catholic Church occasionally officially recognizes miraculous healings.
Faithful pilgrims, especially those in need of healing, flock to the Grotto of Massabielle to immerse themselves in the grotto's 17 pools - 6 for men and 11 for women.
Quick Facts
Site Information |
| Names: | Grotto of Massabielle |
| Location: | Lourdes, Midi-Pyrenees, France |
| Categories: | Sacred Waters; Catholic Shrines |
| Faith: | Christianity |
| Denomination: | Catholic |
| Status: | active |
Visitor Information |
| Coordinates: | 43.09765° N, 0.058043° W (view on Google Maps) |
Travel Resources
- Lourdes Map - our detailed interactive map of Lourdes, plus hand-picked links to more
- Lourdes Guided Tours - book sightseeing tours and activities in Lourdes
- Lourdes Hotels - check availability, maps, photos and reviews, then book at the guaranteed lowest rate
- Lourdes Hostels - reserve budget lodgings with no booking fees
- Lourdes Restaurant Reviews - the best places to eat in town
- Lourdes Travel Forum - tips, answers and advice on Lourdes tourism
Location Map
Below is a location map and aerial view of Grotto of Massabielle. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. For a larger view, see our Lourdes Map.
Article Sources
Article written by Holly Hayes with reference to the following sources:
- Lourdes-france.org – official website
- Religious Heritage of Lourdes - Lourdes Office de Tourisme
- Notre-Dame de Lourdes – Catholic Encyclopedia
- Lourdes Travel - TripAdvisor
- Lourdes, France – Lonely Planet
- A Visit to Lourdes – Spirituality.org
Article last updated: 06/29/2009.
