The Rosary Basilica

The 5th Sorrowful Mystery

Various churches and chapels are situated at Lourdes. The Rosary Basilica is the third of the churches to be completed, in 1899 and designed by architect Leopold Hardy. It was consecrated in 1901 and has a capacity of 1,500 worshippers. Its style is influenced by Byzantine architecture. The nave is open and circular, surmounted by a dome. The exterior of the dome is surmounted by a dramatic gilded crown and cross, which were a gift from the people of Ireland in 1924. 15 separate arches inside the church depict the 15 mysteries of the Rosay with delicate mosaic for each of the 15 mysteries. The exterior facade of the basilica was modified in 2007 to include a depiction of the Luminous Mysteries, which were added to the traditional 15 by Pope St John Paul in 2002. The photos here are only three of the mysteries, including one detail of the Nativity.

A detail of the Nativity mystery

The main door to the Rosary Basilica with the Miracle of Cana Mystery