Basilique de l'Immaculée-Conception de Lourdes, Minor basilica in Lourdes, France.
The basilica is a Gothic Revival church featuring a 70-meter central spire rising directly from the Massabielle rock, flanked by two smaller towers on either side. The interior accommodates approximately 550 visitors within its 51-meter length and 21-meter width.
Construction began in 1862 following an apparition that occurred near the Massabielle rock in 1858, which prompted the creation of this religious site. The building was completed and consecrated in 1876 according to architect Hippolyte Durand's design.
The interior displays numerous ex voto plaques and banners left by pilgrims from across France, marking personal spiritual moments at this sacred site.
This place draws large crowds, especially during major religious celebrations and pilgrimage periods, which can make it quite congested. Visiting during quieter times allows you to move comfortably through the space and observe its details at your own pace.
The bell tower houses four bells, including the two-tonne Jeanne-Alphonsine, which ring out the Ave Maria melody every hour throughout the day. This regular musical signal creates a rhythmic backdrop to the site that many visitors initially overlook.
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