Lourdes, France
Sanctuary of Lourdes
A cave in the French mountains where a 14-year-old girl said Mary appeared to her in 1858. Six million people visit every year.
Biblical significance
Bernadette Soubirous, an asthmatic miller's daughter, reported apparitions at the Massabielle grotto between February and July 1858; the figure identified herself as the Immaculate Conception. The spring she uncovered feeds the baths. The Church has recognised 70 cures as miraculous out of some 7,000 claimed. The evening torchlight Marian procession fills the esplanade nightly in season.
Scripture
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Best time to go
April to October for full ceremonies; August is the busiest month of the year.
Visitor notes
Everything is free, including the baths. Volunteer hospitalité teams assist sick pilgrims.
Coordinates
43.0975, -0.0561
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