The subterranean Basilica of St. Pius X is large enough to hold 25,000 people at once.
The spring water located at the Grotto was discovered by Bernadette Soubirous following a directive from the apparition to 'drink at the spring and wash yourself there'.
The sanctuary grounds are situated on the site of a former municipal prison and slaughterhouse.
Over 7,000 officially recognized cures have been reported at Lourdes, with 70 cases formally recognized as medically inexplicable by the Catholic Church.
The Sanctuary is an independent entity and does not receive state funding from the French government due to the 1905 law on the Separation of the Churches and the State.
Architecturally, the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception is built directly on top of the rock containing the Grotto.
The site hosts an annual International Military Pilgrimage, which brings together military personnel from dozens of nations.
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes is a major Catholic pilgrimage site built around the Grotto of Massabielle, where Bernadette Soubirous reported apparitions of the Virgin Mary in 1858. The 52-hectare site contains three primary basilicas: the Neo-Gothic Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, the subterranean Basilica of St. Pius X, and the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary. The Grotto is the focal point where pilgrims visit to pray and collect water from the site's spring. The Domain includes specialized infrastructure for the sick, including medical facilities and pools where pilgrims bathe in the spring water. The site is a major international hub for health-related pilgrimages and spiritual healing. It operates as a self-contained religious campus with its own administrative offices and volunteer corps. The sanctuary remains open year-round despite the varying seasonal flow of pilgrims.
The view from the stone bridge crossing the Gave de Pau looking back toward the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception.
Follow the 'Geste de l'eau' (Gesture of the water) ritual at the Grotto rather than just viewing the site.
Bring an empty reusable container if you wish to collect spring water from the designated taps.
Visit the Prairie area on the opposite side of the river for quieter spaces and less crowded walking paths.
Avoid purchasing religious souvenirs from street vendors outside the main gates, as the quality and authenticity vary significantly compared to official shops within the sanctuary.
The sanctuary is open year-round, but outdoor processions and specific services are significantly reduced during winter months.
Modest dress is strictly required: shoulders and knees must be covered. Silence is requested within the Grotto and basilica areas. Swimming is not permitted in the river.
