Massabielle Grotto, Catholic pilgrimage cave in Lourdes, France
The Massabielle Grotto is a natural cavity within a limestone rockface at the sanctuary of Lourdes, France, accessible through a wide opening from the forecourt. The formation shows rough, damp stone walls and a small upper niche that holds a white marble statue.
In 1858, a girl from Lourdes named Bernadette Soubirous reported eighteen visions of a woman at this cave, leading to the discovery of a spring. Shortly after, the site developed into a destination for Catholics from around the world.
The name Massabielle comes from Occitan «Massavielha», meaning old rock, a label that points to the geology of the site. Visitors can see pilgrims touching the stone walls, saying prayers and filling containers with water from the spring, which many consider to hold spiritual power.
Pilgrims and visitors enter through the forecourt and follow a marked route that passes close to the rock wall. The ground can be slippery, so sturdy footwear is helpful, especially during rain or when crowds are large.
The statue in the upper niche was created in 1864 by sculptor Joseph-Hugues Fabisch and does not match the description Bernadette gave of the vision. Nonetheless, it has become the most recognized image of the site and is photographed and venerated by visitors.
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