Lourdes caves began to emerge worldwide as symbolic reminders of the actual cave in Massabielle near the French town of Lourdes. There are several dozen in Slovakia. Discover their history and locations where, in addition to spiritual refreshment, you can draw strength from beautiful nature.
History of the Lourdes cave phenomenon
To understand the origins of these stone caves, we need to go back to 1858, when a young girl named Bernadette Soubirous witnessed an apparition of the Virgin Mary in the French town of Lourdes. These apparitions became the impetus for the creation of many Lourdes caves around the world, including in Slovakia.
In Slovakia, the first Lourdes caves began to appear at the beginning of the 20th century when Catholic communities sought ways to bring the miraculous messages of Lourdes closer to their believers. These caves are often found near churches or sacred places that already have some spiritual significance. Their main role was to serve as a spiritual refuge and a place for quiet prayer. Like in France, they are complemented by statues of the Virgin Mary, an altar, and places to light candles.
Some of them also serve as pilgrimage sites. Pilgrimages to these caves often included prayers, songs, and various liturgical ceremonies intended to strengthen faith and bring spiritual healing. In some cases, it was believed that water springs near these caves had healing properties, similar to those in Lourdes.
How many have been preserved?
Although the exact number of Lourdes caves in Slovakia is not documented, there are several dozen of these religious monuments scattered throughout the country. Some of them have been preserved in relatively good condition, while others need restoration or are merely memories of their former glory.
The most significant Lourdes caves in Slovakia
Choosing the most beautiful Lourdes caves from dozens is difficult. However, some are well known to the public due to their connection with pilgrimages. One such place is certainly Marianka, located near Bratislava. It represents one of the oldest pilgrimage sites in Slovakia and is surrounded by beautiful forested surroundings, contributing to its peaceful atmosphere.
Another well-known location is the historic town of Levoča. The Lourdes cave here is situated on Mariánska Hora, a popular place for pilgrimages and prayers. From here, you can also enjoy a stunning view of the surrounding landscape.
In the Záhorie region, believers often visit the village of Šaštín-Stráže. This pilgrimage site is mainly known for the Basilica of Our Lady of Sorrows. Besides the basilica, there is also a Lourdes cave that attracts believers from all over Slovakia and abroad. Another significant Lourdes cave in a beautiful natural setting is in the village of Staré Hory.
Very nice Lourdes caves can also be found in Bratislava itself. In Dúbravka, you can see the cave of Our Lady of Lourdes on Brižitská Street and the Lourdes cave of Gabriela Szápáry on Hlboká Road in the Old Town.
You can also stop for a quiet prayer by the statue of the Virgin Mary in our highest mountain range, the High Tatras. The stone chapel – Lourdes cave is located near today’s National Institute for Children’s Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases in Dolný Smokovec.
Other beautiful natural sites with Lourdes caves can be found on the pilgrimage mountain Živčáková, under the Machnáč peak in Trenčianske Teplice, and in the Hlboča valley in Smolenice. Keep your eyes open while walking in nature – you might stumble upon one built by someone out of gratitude for healing…