Lourdesgrot, Religious grotto in Valkenburg aan de Geul, Netherlands.
Lourdesgrot is a limestone replica of the French Lourdes shrine built directly into the hillside of Valkenburg aan de Geul. It features statues of Mary and Bernadette positioned within a carved natural setting that recreates the sacred location.
Local pastor Hermans commissioned the grotto in 1926 with architect J. Ras overseeing the carving of the structure into the hillside marl. In 1929, architect Dils added a hardstone sacristy and pulpit to complete the sacred space.
The grotto serves as a pilgrimage destination where visitors encounter local Marian devotion through the replica and its surroundings. People come here to experience a spiritual connection similar to what pilgrims seek at the original French site.
Visitors can explore the carved grotto space at their own pace and browse religious items in the attached shop. The shop operates seasonally, mainly during the warmer months and around Christmas when visitor traffic increases.
The hardstone sacristy and pulpit were carefully sculpted rather than assembled, making the craftsmanship visible to visitors. Local artisan J. Eymael completed this stonework, giving the space a handmade quality that distinguishes it from mass-produced replicas.
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