Basilica of the Rosary, Lourdes
Rosary Square in the early morning. Photo
Br Lawrence Lew, OP.
Basilica of the Rosary, with the towers of the Basilica of the Immaculate
Conception rising behind it. Photo
Nicholas Thompson.
A sculpture over the entrance depicts the Virgin Mary giving the rosary to
St. Dominic. Photo
Br Lawrence Lew, OP.
Chapels of the Mysteries in the Basilica of the Rosary.
Photo
Br Lawrence Lew, OP.
Mosaic of the Annunciation in one of the chapels dedicated to the Joyful
Mysteries of the Rosary. Photo
Br Lawrence Lew, OP.
The dome of the Rosary Basilica, decorated with roses and Ave Marias.
Photo
Br Lawrence Lew, OP.
The Basilica of the Rosary (Basilique Notre-Dame du Rosaire) is one of several places of worship at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes in Lourdes, France. It is located below and in front of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception.
History
The Basilica of the Rosary was built between 1883 and 1889 to replace the original chapel on the site of the apparations of the Virgin Mary. It was consecrated in 1901.
On November 5, 2001, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Rosary Basilica, Pope John Paul II issued a papal letter that read in part:
Living parable of stone and light, this basilica reveals to pilgrims' eyes the 15 mysteries of the life of Christ, thus revealing the profound meaning of the rosary. Led by the Virgin Mary, this prayer, which contemplates the redeeming Incarnation, enables us to participate in the acts of the Savior. We journey in the history of salvation with this most pure Mother and, by meditating on the mysteries of the rosary, receive the love of God, manifested sublimely in the gift of the Incarnate Word.
What to See
Designed in a Byzantine-influenced Romanesque style in the shape of a Greek (equal-armed) cross, the Rosary Basilica features two unique elliptical ramps embracing a square that can hold almost 80,000 people.
Above the main doors of basilica, two mosaic circular panels made in the workshops of the Vatican depict Pope Leo XIII (left) and Bishop Schoepfer of Tarbes and Lourdes (1899-1927).
When she appeared at Lourdes, the Virgin Mary was described by St. Bernadette as holding a rosary in her hand. The Basilica of the Rosary is dedicated to this theme. Its three arches depict the joyful, sorrowful and glorious mysteries. Catholics meditate on these mysteries (events in the lives of Jesus and Mary) while saying the rosary.
Around the central dome, the transepts and the sanctuary contain 15 Chapels of the Mysteries, which are decorated with mosaics depicting the 15 mysteries of the rosary (the five joyous, five sorrowful, and five glorious).
Quick Facts
Site Information |
| Names: | Basilica of the Rosary; Basilique Notre-Dame du Rosaire |
| Dedicated to: | Virgin Mary (Rosary) |
| Location: | Lourdes, Midi-Pyrenees, France |
| Categories: | Churches; Catholic Shrines |
| Faith: | Christianity |
| Denomination: | Catholic |
| Status: | active |
| Date: | 1883-1901 |
| Architect: | Leopold Hardy |
| Architecture: | Neo-Romanesque, Neo-Byzantine |
Visitor Information |
| Coordinates: | 43.097536° N, 0.057351° W (view on Google Maps) |
| Website: | www.lourdes-france.org |
| Cost: | Free |
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 Basilica of the Rosary. 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:
- The Rosary Basilica - Official Website of the Sanctuary of Lourdes
- Webcam of Rosary Basilica Lourdes - Mill Hill Missionaries
- Rosary Basilica (Lourdes) - The Holy Rosary (photos of the 15 mosaic chapels)
Article last updated: 06/29/2009.
