Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Discover
Places to see
Belgium
Flanders
East Flanders
Aalst
Sint-Lievens-Houtem

Mariagrot

Highlight • Religious Site

Mariagrot

Recommended by 96 hikers out of 103

Save

Share

  • More

  • Save

    Share

  • More

  • Take Me There

    Routes here

    Best Hikes to Mariagrot

    4.4

    (49)

    182

    hikers

    1. Cotthem Milestone – Cotthembos loop from Sint-Lievens-Houtem

    8.60km

    02:16

    70m

    70m

    Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Navigate

    Send to Phone

    Intermediate

    4.5

    (43)

    142

    hikers

    Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Intermediate

    Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Intermediate

    Tips

    November 13, 2022

    Image-defining Maria Grotto, implanted in a street bend at a three-way intersection against a raised berm. The art cave is said to have been erected in 1954, possibly in connection with the Marian Year 1954, instituted by the Pope in memory of the papal bull proclaimed 100 years earlier regarding the Immaculate Conception of Mary. The construction bears witness cultural-historically to the strongly perpetuated Marian veneration in the Christian faith.

    Quite large elaborate cave of two levels high, strongly framed by green plantations. Kneeling benches are set up inside the cave below and a large paternoster hangs. The entrance is closed by an iron gate with the letters A M (Ave Maria). On top of the cave is a kneeling polychrome statue of Saint Bernadette with candle in hand. Above right in a niche of the cave construction is a statue of Our Lady of Lourdes.
    (Agency Real Heritage)

    Translated by Google •

      April 4, 2021

      The Cave was built on the initiative of the Oomberg priest Robert Van Wilder in 1954 in honor of Our Lady Immaculate Conception. The plans were drawn up by the Hillegem rock architect Aloïs Van Wijnendaele.

      Translated by Google •

        August 7, 2023

        The Virgin Mary depicted and venerated here is that of Lourdes. This well-known Marian pilgrimage site is located in the French Pyrenees and is visited by a large number of people every year, including many sick people hoping for healing. The devotional image of the Mother of God has spread widely, not only in France, and believers have built Lourdes chapels and grottos everywhere.
        The commemoration of the Lourdes Madonna is also World Day of the Sick.

        Translated by Google •

          In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!

          Sign up for free

          Details

          Informations

          Elevation 50 m

          Weather

          Powered by AerisWeather

          Today

          Wednesday 29 October

          13°C

          7°C

          70 %

          If you start your activity now...

          Max wind speed: 16.0 km/h

          Most visited during

          January

          February

          March

          April

          May

          June

          July

          August

          September

          October

          November

          December

          Loading

          Location: Sint-Lievens-Houtem, Aalst, East Flanders, Flanders, Belgium

          Other Popular Places to Check Out

          Mirror Pond, Domain Breivelde

          Explore
          RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepacking
          Download the app
          Follow Us on Socials

          © komoot GmbH

          Privacy Policy