Lourdes is one of the most mysterious places in Christianity. It was here, in a grotto at the foot of the Pyrenees, that the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to a young peasant girl in the mid-19th century. Today, Lourdes has become one of the largest sanctuaries in Europe, attracting millions of pilgrims from around the world.
Spanning an area of 52 hectares, the sanctuary comprises a church, three basilicas, fifteen baths for immersion in the water, and the largest underground crypt in the world. The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, and the Basilica of St. Pius X were each built in different periods and architectural sites. To construct these massive monuments and accommodate the growing number of worshipers, architects had to overcome many challenges – particularly those related to space constraints.
Through 3D imagery, expert interviews and archives, this documentary deciphers the stories and feats surrounding one of the world’s most important pilgrimage sites – behind Rome and Jerusalem.
Direction: Fabrice Buysschaert
Production: La Famiglia for RMC Découverte