From San Sebastian: Sanctuary of Lourdes Standard Option
ID: GYG439864-792949
Category:
Country: Spain
Duration:
08:00 hours
Description
Visit the Sanctuary of Lourdes where, in 1858, the Virgin Mary appeared to a young girl, radically changing the destiny of this town located in the south of France, and explore its charming history.
You’ll have to get up early, as a comfortable two-hour trip on the motorway awaits us. We’ll take advantage of the time to introduce you to the history of the region and local traditions.
Miracle in 1858
Lourdes is a charming medieval town whose history changed radically when, in the summer of 1858, the Virgin Mary appeared several times to a girl named Bernadette Soubirous, in a grotto near the River Ouse. The city became an international destination, making it the second most-visited Catholic sanctuary in the world, and the city in France with the greatest number of hotel beds besides Paris.
Land of basilicas
In Lourdes we’ll visit the most emblematic sites such as the Crypt (the original sanctuary, decorated with numerous votive offerings from the visiting faithful), the Basilica of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception (with its beautiful stained glass windows depicting the story of the apparitions), the Basilica of Our The Lady of the Rosary (a Romanesque-Byzantine design full of luminous works of art, gold and Venetian mosaics) and the underground basilica of Saint Pius X, in a Brutalist style and spacious enough to host more than 25,000 people.
Sacred water
Of course, we will also visit the Grotto of Massabielle, where Bernadette exeprienced the apparitions that went around the world and turned the water of Lourdes into a desired object of faith with pilgrims who, annually, come from the five continents.
F.Y.I.
The visit with Ikusnahi lasts for 4 hours, during which it is possible to visit the complex, or attend prayers and masses. Although the sanctuary is open all year round, it’s best to know the schedule of celebrations, which we at Ikusnahi will take care of.
Highlights
- Visit one of the most important sanctuaries in Europe
- Explore different sights in the village
- Attend prayers and masses of your choice
- Follow the steps of Bernadette
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Bring your passport.
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
Cancellation is not possible. If you cancel it anyway or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity and the money you paid will not be refunded.