The following is a list of some of the places connected with Saint Bernadette and the apparitions, as well as those buildings which today are used by people on pilgrimage to Lourdes.

THE GROTTO

The Grotto marks the spot in the cave of the rock of Massabielle where Saint Bernadette saw the Virgin Mary eighteen times in 1858. It is the most sacred of all the sanctuaries in Lourdes, and has been the natural gathering place for millions of pilgrims who have stood there in silent prayer.

There is an altar for the celebration of the Eucharist and votive candles burn there constantly.  But the most striking focal point is the statue of the Immaculate Conception which hovers above in the hollow of the rock.  It carries the now famous inscription in the local patois, “I am the Immaculate Conception.”  Under it there is a rose bush which serves as a reminder of the Parish Priest’s request that a rose should bloom in February as a sign of the truthfulness of Bernadette’s story.

There is a plaque in the pavement on the left hand side which marks where Bernadette stood when first she saw the “beautiful lady”.  Crutches hang there as a sign of graces given.  There is a box in which pilgrims put prayer petitions.  A walkway allows a constant flow of people to enter into the heart of the Grotto and touch or kiss the rock.  Covered by a glass screen and illuminated is the spring which Bernadette uncovered on 25 February 1858.  This water is piped from here to the Baths and to the taps.  Please observe the SILENCE at the Grotto.

THE CRYPT

The Crypt was the first church to be built in answer to Mary’s request, and it was blessed on Pentecost Sunday 1866.  Bernadette, whose father had worked on its construction, was present for this ceremony but hidden among the Children of Mary.  From that day onwards, pilgrimages officially began. Situated underneath what is now the upper Basilica, it is a dark and squat building whose walls, like those of the Upper and Rosary Basilicas, are covered with marble plaques (known as “ex voto” plaques) which express thanks to God for favours received.  At the entrance of the corridor can be seen a statue of Saint Peter and one of Pius X who encouraged frequent communion and communion for children.

UPPER BASILICA

Known by everyone as the Upper Basilica, its real title is the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, and over the entrance is a mosaic of Pope Pius IX who in 1854 defined the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception.  Built over the Crypt, it was consecrated in 1876.

It is very a striking and ambitious building built on the rock of Massabielle and designed in the Gothic style. A chapel stands on either side of the entrance.  Saint Ann to the right and Saint Joan of Arc to the left.  The Sanctuary stands over the very spot where Bernadette saw Mary. Beside the “ex voto” plaques, the walls are covered with pilgrimage banners from around the world.  A further fifteen side chapels contain stained glass windows which depict the story of Lourdes, and the clerestory windows above the nave portray Mary as the “Second Eve”.  Outside it is the 70 metres high spire which dominates the Domaine.  A two ton bell is one of the four which chime every quarter of an hour and the clock plays the “Ave” on the hour.