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Lourdes Grotto

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Lourdes Grotto (Vatican)

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The Lourdes Grotto in the Vatican Gardens is a faithful replica of the famous Massabielle Grotto in France, where the Marian apparitions occurred in 1858. It was presented as a gift to the Holy See in 1902 by the Bishop of Tarbes and was erected at its current location under Pope Leo XIII. The grotto is situated at the highest point of the Vatican Hill, offering a place of silence and prayer amidst lush vegetation. The construction is made of rock intended to capture the atmosphere of the original and houses a statue of the Immaculate Conception as well as Saint Bernadette Soubirous. Popes traditionally use this location for personal devotions and public prayer services, particularly during the Marian month of May. The grotto is not only a place of religious veneration but also a testament to the close connection between the Vatican and the world's major pilgrimage sites. Visitors to the Vatican Gardens often experience this site as an oasis of calm, far removed from the city's bustle.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C781014182326262117128
Rain mm7377695657342626708211492

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Lourdes Grotto in the Vatican Gardens is only accessible on a guided garden tour. It is a faithful replica of the famous French shrine and provides a quiet spot for prayer.
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Typical hours
The grotto is only visitable during the Vatican Gardens' opening hours, which are typically in the morning. Exact times vary by season and tour availability.
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Photography
Photography is allowed in the grotto and the surrounding gardens. Please avoid using flash to preserve the peaceful atmosphere.
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Time needed
Allow about 15 to 20 minutes for the stop at the grotto. The full garden tour typically lasts around two hours.
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Combine with
The grotto is part of the Vatican Gardens, so combine it with other garden sights like the Nativity Grotto. A visit to the nearby Vatican Museums also pairs well.
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Getting there
Access to the Vatican Gardens is through the official entrance on Viale Vaticano. The grotto is reached on foot during the guided tour along fixed routes.
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Insider tip
Visit the grotto early in the morning when the silence is most profound. Bring a small candle or prayer card for a personal moment of devotion.

Geography

Coordinates
41.90310, 12.45030

Facts

  • The grotto was gifted to the Vatican in 1902.
  • It is an exact replica of the Massabielle Grotto in Lourdes.
  • It is located at the summit of the Vatican Hill.
  • Pope Leo XIII commissioned the construction of the grotto.
  • A solemn candlelight procession takes place here every year on May 31.
  • The altar inside the grotto is a gift from French Catholics.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Eagle Fountain TerraceEagle Fountain Terrace<1 km · SWExplore →
Medaglie d'OroMedaglie d'Oro2 km · NExplore →
Palazzo SpadaPalazzo Spada2 km · SEExplore →
FlaminioFlaminio3 km · NEExplore →
Val CannutaVal Cannuta3 km · WExplore →
GianicolenseGianicolense3 km · SExplore →
Porta PiaPorta Pia4 km · EExplore →
ColosseumColosseum4 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Sights in the town Lourdes Grotto (10)

Vatican Hill

Hill in Rome, location of St. Peter's Basilica.

St Mary's Church

Church building in Vatican City, dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

Lourdes Grotto

Building in Vatican City, a replica of the Grotto of Lourdes.

Saint Stephen of the Ethiopians⛪ church

Church of the Vatican City, dedicated to Ethiopian Christians.

Pius IV House

Seat of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences in Vatican City.

Cupola di San Pietro

Dome of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, a landmark of Rome.

Dome of Saint Peter

Viewpoint on the dome of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City.

St John's Tower🗼 tower

Building in Vatican City, a historic tower.

Saint Peter's Basilica

Church in Vatican City, one of the most important Christian buildings.

Porta Pertusa

Building in Rome, Italy, a city gate of Vatican City.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What does this grotto represent?
It is a faithful replica of the Grotto of Apparitions in Lourdes, France.
When was it built?
It was inaugurated at the end of Pope Leo XIII's reign in 1902.
Why was it built?
It was a gift from French Catholics to the Pope.
Do the Popes use this place?
Yes, many Popes have come here for prayer, especially on the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.
Where exactly is the grotto located?
At the highest point of the Vatican Gardens, near the Vatican Radio antenna.
Lourdes Grotto: where is it located?
Lourdes Grotto is located in Vatican.
Lourdes Grotto: what is there to see?
Highlights include Vatican Hill, St Mary's Church, Lourdes Grotto.
Lourdes Grotto: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Lourdes Grotto: why is it worth visiting?
The Lourdes Grotto in the Vatican Gardens is a faithful replica of the famous Massabielle Grotto in France, where the Marian apparitions occurred in 1858.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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History & landmarks

Vatican City Railway Station — Lourdes Grotto (Vatican)
Vatican City Railway Station
The only railway station in the world's smallest state.
Bunker Access — Lourdes Grotto (Vatican)
Bunker Access
A secured access point to underground structures within the Vatican walls.
Fountain of the Galley — Lourdes Grotto (Vatican)
Fountain of the Galley
A decorative fountain in the Vatican Gardens evocative of maritime themes.
Vatican City Heliport — Lourdes Grotto (Vatican)
Vatican City Heliport
The heliport is located at the westernmost tip of the state.
Central Garage (Autoparco) — Lourdes Grotto (Vatican)
Central Garage (Autoparco)
The Autoparco houses the Vatican's entire vehicle fleet, including the famous popemobiles and maintenance vehicles.
Vatican Gas Station — Lourdes Grotto (Vatican)
Vatican Gas Station
The Vatican gas station provides duty-free fuel to official vehicles and those of authorized employees.
Eagle Fountain Terrace — Lourdes Grotto (Vatican)
Eagle Fountain Terrace
An observation terrace at mid-height on Vatican Hill.
Vatican Radio — Lourdes Grotto (Vatican)
Vatican Radio
Vatican Radio is the official broadcasting service of the Holy See, established in 1931 by Guglielmo Marconi.

Nature

Lebanon Cedars Slope — Lourdes Grotto (Vatican)
Lebanon Cedars Slope
Magnificent specimens of Lebanon Cedars perched on the slopes of the hill.
Eagle Fountain Pond — Lourdes Grotto (Vatican)
Eagle Fountain Pond
An artificial water basin that is part of the monumental 17th-century Eagle Fountain.
Sunken Moss Bank — Lourdes Grotto (Vatican)
Sunken Moss Bank
A shaded section of the embankment near the western city wall.

More places

Ethiopian College — Lourdes Grotto (Vatican)
Ethiopian College
The only educational institution located entirely within the territory of Vatican City.
Governatorato Palace — Lourdes Grotto (Vatican)
Governatorato Palace
The administrative center of Vatican City, housing the government of the state.
Palace of Leo XIII — Lourdes Grotto (Vatican)
Palace of Leo XIII
This elegant building in the Vatican Gardens was designed as a summer residence for Pope Leo XIII.
Tower of San Giovanni — Lourdes Grotto (Vatican)
Tower of San Giovanni
A massive tower in the Vatican Gardens, part of the medieval fortifications.
San Carlo Palace — Lourdes Grotto (Vatican)
San Carlo Palace
A significant residential building within the Vatican, serving as a residence for clerics and officials of the Roman Curia.
Canons&#39; Palace — Lourdes Grotto (Vatican)
Canons' Palace
This monumental residential complex houses the canons of St.
St. Peter&#39;s Basilica — Lourdes Grotto (Vatican)
St. Peter's Basilica
The world's largest church, built over the burial site of St.
St. Peter&#39;s Dome — Lourdes Grotto (Vatican)
St. Peter's Dome
The most distinctive feature of Rome's skyline, designed by Michelangelo.