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The Lourdes apparitions are several Marian apparitions reported in 1858 by Bernadette Soubirous, the 14-year-old daughter of a miller, in the town of Lourdes in Southern France.

From 11 February to 16 July 1858, she reported 18 apparitions of "a Lady". Soubirous described the lady as wearing a white veil and a blue girdle; she had a golden rose on each foot and held a rosary of pearls. After initial skepticism from the local clergy, these claims were eventually declared to be worthy of belief by the Catholic Church after a canonical investigation. The apparition is known as Our Lady of Lourdes.

According to Soubirous, her visions occurred at the grotto of Massabielle, just outside Lourdes. On 16 July 1858, Soubirous visited the grotto for the last time and said: "I have never seen her so beautiful before."[2][page needed] On 18 January 1862, the local bishop declared: "The Virgin Mary did appear indeed to Bernadette Soubirous."[3] Soubirous was canonized a saint in 1933 by Pope Pius XI. In 1958, Pope Pius XII issued the encyclical Le pèlerinage de Lourdes ("The pilgrimage to Lourdes") on the 100th anniversary of the apparitions. Pope John Paul II visited Lourdes three times; Pope Benedict XVI visited Lourdes on 15 September 2008 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the apparitions.

The father's House also called the “Lacadé water-mill” was the house of Bernadette's parents after the visions, a gift from Abbot Peyramale,

Picturesque Lourdes is a historic town ensconced by the Pyrenees and one of the best ways to see it in its context is from the top of Pic du Jer. Ride to the top of the mountain on a charming old funicular railway. Once you are there, follow walking trails and find an observatory for panoramic views of this stunning corner of France. Make sure you bring your camera to the top of the peak so you can capture memories of this special place.

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Marvel at a 20th-century subterranean cathedral with a huge capacity, built to accommodate the masses of devoted pilgrims visiting Lourdes.

Travel to Lourdes and there is a slim chance you will miss the Basilica of St. Pius X. Although this cathedral is impressively large, it’s also built entirely underground. Stand in awe of its gigantic nave and watch as it fills with tens of thousands of pilgrims thronging to the town on religious feast days.

Lourdes has been a popular pilgrimage destination since the mid-19th century, when a vision of the Virgin Mary appeared to a local peasant girl. Learn about the legendary waters here, which are said to have healing properties. Lourdes exploded in popularity after this discovery. Today it is one of the busiest Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world. The basilica was built in 1957 and consecrated a year later to accommodate the increased number of visitors to the town. It was particularly intended to be used for ceremonies on busy feast days.

Decide what you think of the controversial architecture. The main hall is supported by bold, angular concrete arches, which create an expansive, awe-inspiring nave. Some critics felt that it was not traditional enough, whereas others responded positively to its striking design.