Grotte-chapelle des Espélugues

Lourdes

Before Lourdes became the great Marian centre we know today, following Bernadette Soubirous's 1858 apparitions, the Espélugues hill already held a chapel dedicated to Mary Magdalene — an example of continuity of female-saint worship on the same site, from the penitent saint to the Virgin. Converted into a Catholic shrine in 1875, the grotto is also called the "grotto of the Madeleine" since two statues were installed there, including one of Saint Mary Magdalene.

Getting there : Free access, within the grounds of the Lourdes sanctuary

Opening times and access details are given as a guide only: check before you set out.

Ambient sound