The most sacred site at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes is the Grotto of Massabielle, also known as the Miraculous Caveor the Cave of Apparitions.

History of the Grotto of Massabielle

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 at the Grotto of Massabielle

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 on the Grotto of Massabielle

Site Information
Names:	Grotto of Massabielle
Country:	France
Categories:	shrines; sacred waters; caves
Dates:	1858
Status:	active
Visitor and Contact Information
Coordinates:	43.097650° N, 0.058043° W
Address:	Lourdes, France
Lodging:	View hotels near the Grotto of Massabielle

Note: This information was accurate when first published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours and prices can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.

References

1. Lourdes-france.org – official website
2. Religious Heritage of Lourdes - Lourdes Office de Tourisme
3. Notre-Dame de Lourdes – Catholic Encyclopedia
4. Lourdes Travel - TripAdvisor
5. Lourdes, France – Lonely Planet
6. A Visit to Lourdes – Spirituality.org

More Information

• Photos of the Grotto of Massabielle - here on Sacred Destinations