Bergom Marian Grotto

Mariagrot on the Grote Dreef on the border of Bergom (Herselt) and Westerlo. The cave dates from 1874 and is, especially with its location, quite busy. There are benches in front of the cave and a few on the other side of the small lane. When you hear "ave maria" sung, you know where it comes from.

The grotto was built at a time when such Marian grottoes were very popular. After Bernadette Soubirous had seen Mary appear in a grotto in Lourdes in 1858, this place became an official place of pilgrimage in 1862. The Lourdes grotto, with a space for candles at the bottom and a niche with a statue of Mary at the top, has been recreated in miniature numerous times in Flanders. In 2012, the grotto is still a popular resting place for hikers and cyclists.The construction in Bergom was built from brick blocks and is covered with earth at the back. The grotto is protected by a beautiful iron gate, with bars decorated with flowers. In the grotto, a copper indulgence board with a bilingual inscription indicating that indulgences can be obtained by praying before this grotto. In the niche, a large plaster statue of Mary, painted white and blue. Iron letters form the inscription "I AM THE IMMACULATE CONCEPT".Inventory of Immovable Heritage: Marian Grotto, id.erfgoed.net/erfgoedobjecten/214978

Lourdes grotto in the middle of the woods. of 1874