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  4. Grotto of Massabielle

Grotto of Massabielle, Lourdes

Photo © Br Lawrence Lew, OP. View all images in our Grotto of Massabielle Photo Gallery.
Photo © Anthony.
Photo © Br Lawrence Lew, OP.
Photo © Br Lawrence Lew, OP.
Photo © Br Lawrence Lew, OP.
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 Caveor 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 on the Grotto of Massabielle

Site Information
Names:Grotto of Massabielle; Grotto of Massabielle, Lourdes
City:Lourdes
State:Midi-Pyrenees
Country:France
cat:Sacred Waters; Shrines; Catholic Shrines
faith:Christianity; Catholic
Dates:1858
Status:active
Visitor and Contact Information
Location:Lourdes, France
Coordinates:43.097650° N, 0.058043° W  (view on Google Maps)
Lodging:View hotels near this location
Note: This information was accurate when first published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.

Map of the Grotto of Massabielle

Below is a location map and aerial view of the Grotto of Massabielle. Using the buttons on the left (or the wheel on your mouse), you can zoom in for a closer look, or zoom out to get your bearings. To move around, click and drag the map with your mouse.

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

Article Info

Title:Grotto of Massabielle, Lourdes
Author:Holly Hayes
Last updated:06/29/2009
Permalink:www.sacred-destinations.com/france/lourdes-grotto-massabielle
Link code:<a href="http://www.sacred-destinations.com/france/lourdes-grotto-massabielle">Grotto of Massabielle, Lourdes</a>