A sacred place, but hard to access from other parts of the country (we flew in from Barcelona and…read moretook a bus from there). The grounds are huge and it took several days to explore everything (from the grotto, upper/lower basilicas, stations, etc.). Unfortunately, this place is also referred to as the "Catholic Disneyland", with shops and carts selling food and souvenirs all up and down the street. The town itself is pretty walkable. Make sure to see the candlelight procession if you can 2025 #74

Beautiful Basilica in honor of the Virgin Mary. Had the privileged to attend a mass with most…read morecardinals present.

A unique church in the complex of churches in Lourdes surrounding the grotto. It is buried…read moreunderground so I did not notice it for several days. It is large and very roomy but also feels like bunker compare to a traditional church. it is very roomy with no pillars in the way of the altar.

Faith and religious belief, or the lack of it is private. There are billions of believers in multi…read morefaiths and today here there were folks from all over the world. To see so many people on trolleys and hospital type beds here lying in line to go into the baths here and many clearly at the end of their lives is truly humbling whether or not you believe in life hereafter.