Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The development of the Sanctuaries of Our Lady of Lourdes began within a decade of Ste
Bernadette's apparitions in 1858.
The most dramatic approach is via the Port St-Joseph, from where a broad boulevard
sweeps west towards the Byzantine Basilique du Rosaire (Basilica of the Rosary), topped
by lavishly gilded turrets and tiled frescoes depicting Bernadette's visions. Beneath the ba-
silica is Lourdes' most revered site, the Grotte de Massabielle (sometimes known as the
Grotte Miraculeuse or the Grotte des Apparitions), where Bernadette allegedly experienced
her famous visions.
The Esplanade des Processions, lined with enormous flickering candles left by previous
pilgrims, leads along the river to the grotto's entrance, where people line up patiently for the
chance to enter the cave itself, or take a chilly dip in one of the sacred baths (
9-11am &
2.30-4pm Mon-Sat, 2-4pm Sun & holy days) .
CHÂTEAU FORT
(Fortified Castle; adult/child €5/2.30; 9am-noon & 1.30-6.30pm) On a rocky pin-
nacle above town squats this imposing castle. There's been some kind of strong-
hold on this site since Roman times, but the present building is largely medieval, in-
cluding the stout walls and the central keep.
Since the 1920s, the castle has housed the Musée Pyrénéen , which owns one
the region's largest collection of folk art, rural artefacts, tools and other exhibits.
Take the free lift (elevator) from rue Baron Duprat or walk up the ramp at the
northern end of rue du Bourg.
Castle, Museum
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