Culture of Lourdes. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

The main landmark of Lourdes and the goal of thousands of travelers is the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes. It was built on the very spot where the Virgin Mary first appeared to St. Bernadette. The so-called "Domain" includes two basilicas. The Rosary Basilica (Basilique Rosaire ) is built in neo-Byzantine style, and the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (Basilique Supérieure) is a true Neo-Gothic monument. In the immediate vicinity is the Massabielle Grotto (Grotte Miraculeuse) where more than one and a half centuries ago the first healing source was discovered. At present, separate baptismal fonts for men and women are organized here. Bathing remains one of the kindest and most symbolic traditions for travelers.

In front of the Sanctuary is a vast square, which is never empty. Located on the banks of the Gave de Pau River, it is connected to a beautiful park area by a small pedestrian bridge. These places are sure to please those who prefer healthy outdoor recreation and walks in the fresh air. Lourdes has another interesting religious monument - the Church of the Sacred Heart . Despite the fact that it is often left without the attention of tourists, the picturesque church is one of the tallest and most spectacular buildings in the city. Its slender tower has a clock that has worked for over a hundred years and keeps perfect time.

A very interesting place to visit is the Fortress of Lourdes . The large-scale historic building seems completely unharmonic at first glance. The reason for such a look is quite clear: the first fortification on the site of the current fortress was erected in the 8th century, and later it was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt. Tourists will have the opportunity to climb to observation platforms located on the last floors of the fortress. You can go up the steep stairs or reach them in a more convenient way, by elevator. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

After admiring the views of the city, be sure to visit the Pyrenean Museum (Museum Pyrenees) located within the fortress walls. Its exposition is quite interesting and diverse. It includes rich collections of ethnographic exhibits as well as old many advertising posters. Part of the museum is in the open air. Among its exhibits are mock-ups of ancient buildings, miniature gardens, and mountains. Near the fortress is a very beautiful garden, a walk through which gives a lot of impressions. Besides beautiful landscaping and centuries-old trees, in the garden, you can see several interesting sculptures. An old skier sculpture and the statue of St. Bernadette are hidden among the lush green thickets. It is worth noting that statues of the Virgin Mary and St. Bernadette are found literally at every step in the city, as well as shopping tents selling beautiful flasks for healing water.

Of course, be sure to explore iconic attractions associated with the name of St. Bernadette. In Lourdes, there is an old house where the girl lived. The atmosphere of the past has been fully recreated inside. Nearby is an old school of Bernadette Soubirous, as well as a very interesting wax museum, whose exposition is devoted to religious themes. For many travelers, acquaintance with the city's historic monuments begins with a visit to the railway station, which is another outstanding architectural monument. It rises on a small hill and offers a wonderful panoramic view of the city and its surroundings.