가장 멋진 동굴 14곳

The Grootberg is an underground marl quarry formed by the extraction of limestone, locally called marl. Marl consists almost entirely of fossil fragments of marine animals and was deposited approximately 66 million years ago in a shallow tropical sea during the Cretaceous geological period.

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A Lourdes grotto or Marian grotto is a replica of the grotto of Massabielle near the French town of Lourdes, where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to Bernadette Soubirous on February 11, 1858. Copies have been built in many countries for the veneration of Our Lady of Lourdes. These are replicas of what is said to have happened at the grotto. An altar may have been placed inside the grotto. Diagonally above the grotto (on the viewer's right) is a niche containing a white statue of the Virgin Mary with a blue sash and a rosary. In front of the grotto stands a statue of Bernadette, looking upward and kneeling in prayer.

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In 2019, the Lourdes Grotto Committee and the Niel-bij-As parish celebrated the 75th anniversary of their Lourdes Grotto. It is located on Grotstraat (how could it be otherwise). In 1943, Louis Pillards made a solemn promise to Our Lady to make a pilgrimage to Lourdes, but due to the Second World War, he was unable to fulfill his promise. Therefore, he decided to build their own Lourdes Grotto together with his wife Anna Vandeurzen. Anna Berger-Vandeurzen, whose first husband had died and was now married to Louis Pillards, donated the necessary land to the parish, and Louis drew a design sketch for the grotto. Together with a number of volunteers, they traveled by horse and cart to collect pebbles from the heathland on the border between Lanklaar and As. Construction began in 1943, and the grotto was blessed in 1944. Thanks to the Zwartberg mine, they obtained the necessary cement, which was very difficult to obtain in those days. Statues of Mary, Bernadette, and even an angel were provided. In the small tower atop the grotto, there even hung a small bronze bell, which was unfortunately later stolen. On August 15, 1944, the Lourdes grotto was solemnly blessed by the then pastor of Niel, Father Gerstmans. From the very beginning, a grotto committee was established, which to this day ensures the maintenance of the Lourdes grotto and its surroundings, in collaboration with the municipality's technical department. For a long time, Mia Haumont and later Godelieve Meysen took care of the altar and the flowers. In the early years, a hermit even lived in the cottage behind the grotto for a few years. He is known as Brother Boniface. His real name is Tony Vissers. For many years, he was involved in the education of the local youth. The closeness of the Lourdes Grotto to the hearts of many Niel residents is evident in the large attendance at the services, which normally take place on May 1st and August 15th. There is an open-air service at the grotto, followed by a vehicle blessing on August 15th. On the evening of August 14th, there is also a candlelight procession from the church in Niel to the grotto. In May, it is traditional to pray the rosary together at 7:30 PM. This year, we will do this from our homes, united in faith! Want to stop by on your daily bike ride? The Lourdes Grotto in Niel-bij-As is located on the route between cycling junctions 40 and 528.

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The marl caves of Heers are an important hibernation site for numerous bats, including the Bechstein's bat, the Notched Bat, and the Pond Bat. Bat-friendly barriers were installed at the entrances to the caves. In 2014, the Waterkuil was closed off with a steel gate, in which bat silhouettes serve as flight openings. This elegant barrier was designed by Heers artist Frans Vandueren. Initial winter counts already showed that the gate is having an effect.

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The Lourdes grotto was built in 1946 during the celebration of the village's centennial. A prayer vigil is still held at the grotto every Thursday in May.

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The Lourdes grotto was built in 1946 during the celebration of the village's centennial. A prayer vigil is still held at the grotto every Thursday in May.

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Hail Mary...

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Neercanne Castle was built on the original site of Roman fortifications, the caves of which still exist and are used as wine cellars. The original staircase with a banister on wide columns is still in the hall. The ceiling features relief depictions of weapon trophies. The castle is currently in use as a hotel and restaurant.

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