Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Lourdes
View of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, overlooked by a
statue of Our Lady of Lourdes. Photo
Br Lawrence Lew, OP. 
Side view of the "Upper Basilica." Photo
Br Lawrence Lew, OP. 
Interior of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception at Lourdes.
Photo
Br Lawrence Lew, OP.
Crypt chapel in the Upper Basilica. Photo
Br Lawrence Lew, OP.
Location map and aerial view of Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. For a larger interactive view, see our Lourdes Map.
Situated on top of the rock above the Grotto of Massabielle and behind the Basilica of the Rosary, the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (Basilique de l'Immaculée Conception) in Lourdes was constructed between 1866 and 1872. Because of its location it is also known as the Upper Basilica.
What to See
The facade of the basilica bears a circular panel with the image of Pope Pius X smiling and holding in his left hand the decree of November 13, 1907, by which the Mass of the Apparition of Our Lady of Lourdes was extended to the Universal Church.
The lower circular panel, above the entrance to the Crypt, represents Pope Pius IX who proclaimed the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception in 1854.
At the entrance on the right is a marble plaque containing the complete text of the judgement made by Mgr Laurence, recognising the Apparitions as authentic.
The sanctuary of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception holds 500 worshippers. The altar is directly over the place of Apparition.
The stained glass windows recall the story of the Blessed Virgin from the beginning to the declaration of the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception, in 1854, by Pope Pius IX and of the Apparitions of Lourdes in 1858.
Every hour, the Basilica's bells play the "Ave Maria of Lourdes."
Quick Facts
Site Information |
| Names: | Basilica of the Immaculate Conception; Basilique de l'Immaculée Conception; Upper Basilica |
| Location: | Lourdes, France |
| Categories: | Catholic Shrines; Churches |
| Faith: | Christianity |
| Denomination: | Catholic |
| Status: | active |
| Date: | 1866-72 |
| Architect: | Hippolyte Durand |
| Architecture: | Neo-Gothic |
Visitor Information |
| Coordinates: | 43.097481° N, 0.058311° 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
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
- A Pilgrimage to Lourdes – Savvy Traveler. A non-religious account.
More Information
- Lourdes-france.org – official website
Article last updated: 06/29/2009.
