As Lourdesgrotte Mariengrotten are called, which represent replicas of the Grotto of Massabielle in Lourdes in southern France and "Our Lady of Lourdes". Especially at the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century, such Lourdes grottoes were consecrated within Our Lady in Lourdes and other Catholic churches (partially with a side altar), on churchyards or as a corridor monument at a crossroads, on the edge of the field or in the woods built. Lourdes grottoes are important objects of local pilgrimages. Smaller, built by private individuals (often in-house) Lourdes caves were often due to private vows, often in connection with a pilgrimage to Lourdes and cure from illness, but also z. For example, as thanks for an undamaged return home from the war or rescue from danger. de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lourdesgrotte