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Basilica of the Immaculate Conception: A Gothic Masterpiece in Lourdes

Discover the spiritual and architectural grandeur of the Upper Basilica, a neo-Gothic masterpiece in the heart of Lourdes.

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The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, also known as the Upper Basilica, is a stunning neo-Gothic church in Lourdes, France, consecrated in 1876. Perched atop the rock of Massabielle, above the Grotto, it's a key part of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes and a significant pilgrimage destination.

A brief summary to Basilica of the Immaculate Conception

  • Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, Lourdes, 65100, FR
  • Visit website

Local tips

  • Visit during the Feast of the Immaculate Conception in February to witness a special ceremony.
  • Take time to explore the surrounding Sanctuary grounds, including the Grotto of Massabielle and other basilicas.
  • Attend a guided tour to learn more about the history and significance of the basilica and the Lourdes apparitions.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Lourdes train station, the Basilica is approximately a 20-minute walk. Exit the station and follow Avenue de la Gare, which leads towards the Sanctuary. Continue onto Avenue Peyramale, crossing the Gave de Pau river. Follow signs for the Sanctuaries Notre-Dame de Lourdes; the Basilica will become visible on the left. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    From Lourdes train station, take the TPL Mobilités bus. The bus departs every 15 minutes from the station (Lourdes - Gare SNCF) and arrives at the Saint Joseph/Grotte bus stop, which is a short walk to the Basilica. The journey takes about 5 minutes. A single ticket costs approximately €2.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available near the Lourdes train station. A taxi ride to the Basilica takes approximately 3 minutes and typically costs between €6-€8. Taxi ranks are located near the Sanctuary.

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Discover more about Basilica of the Immaculate Conception

The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, often called the Upper Basilica, stands as an impressive testament to faith and architectural skill within the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes. Consecrated in 1876, it was the second church completed in the Sanctuary. Designed in the neo-Gothic style by architect Hippolyte Durand, the basilica appears to emerge directly from the rock of Massabielle, creating a striking visual. The basilica's exterior is dominated by a 70-meter spire and two smaller spires added in 1908. Above the entrance, a mosaic depicts Pope Pius IX, who proclaimed the dogma of the Immaculate Conception in 1854. The basilica's bells chime the hours and play the Ave Maria. Inside, the basilica features a nave divided into nine bays and stained-glass windows that illustrate the story of the Virgin Mary and the apparitions of Lourdes. The walls are adorned with ex-voto plaques and banners from past National Pilgrimages. The clerestory windows depict Mary as the 'Second Eve'. The basilica also has a crypt, the first part of the Sanctuary to be completed. The Basilica commemorates the Marian apparitions to Bernadette Soubirous in 1858, during which the Virgin Mary revealed herself as the Immaculate Conception. This event solidified Lourdes as a major pilgrimage site, drawing millions of visitors each year.

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