Basilica of St. Pius X, Underground minor basilica in Lourdes, France.
The Basilica of St. Pius X is a modern underground church in Lourdes measuring 201 meters long and 81 meters wide. The concrete structure is supported by 58 pillars and sits beneath a public boulevard.
The structure was designed in 1958 by architect Pierre Vago and engineer Eugène Freyssinet to mark a century since Marian apparitions appeared in Lourdes. The design followed modern principles and was built to hold thousands of pilgrims at once.
The walls inside display colorful glass artworks showing scenes of the Rosary and the Stations of the Cross made by different French artists. These works shape how the space feels and invite visitors to pause and look around.
The space holds several thousand people, both seated and standing, and is used throughout the year for masses and religious events. Since it sits underground, take time to find your bearings and watch for the entrances.
The building has an elliptical shape resembling an upside-down boat, yet the ceiling is only about 10 meters high. This unusual proportion creates an intimate space despite the vast underground area.
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