Lourdes

FRANCE

135 km from Vielha

Lourdes is a small French market town in the Hautes-Pyrénées, lying in a lush green valley. Despite the beauty of its surroundings, Lourdes is best known worldwide as an international site of Catholic pilgrimage.

Today, the Sanctuary of Lourdes is a cosmopolitan place, a universal sanctuary visited by more than 6 million people every year, some as tourists and some as pilgrims inspired by faith and devotion.

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes complex was built at the end of the 19th century, and surrounds the area known as the Grotto of Revelations. According to popular belief, this was where the miracle of Lourdes took place. No fewer than 22 places of worship are located around the Grotto.

As well as the places of worship, the city is noted for the beauty of its architecture. In the centre of the town you will find the Château Fort de Lourdes , used centuries ago as a royal prison, then later as a state prison, and now home to the Pyrenean Museum.

You can also visit historic buildings, such as the Palace of Justice, built in 1875, or the church of the Sacred Heart, as well as other fortifications – as well as the castle – and the walls that surround the city.

 

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