Consecrated in 1958 , for the 100th anniversary of the Virgin to Bernadette Soubirous , this underground basilica is impressive 25 000 pilgrims can attend a service in this basilica , made of prestressed concrete of 12 000 square meters , 200 m long , 80 wide and only 10 m high The altar , in the center is simple and small , the accesses , gently sloping , are designed for the sick and infirm The whole is impressive and makes it one of the great basilicas of the world

One day it was raining hard and we took shelter in the basilica of St. Pius X which is very large. It is underground and concrete. There are so many pews and in the center there is the altar. In a short time it was filled with so many people and a celebration began. It is not easy to see well from a distance in fact there are screens to be able to follow better. It is impressive how big it is and how many people it can hold.

The Basilica of St. Pius X in Lourdes is an extraordinary place of worship that left a deep impression on me. As one of the largest underground basilicas in the world, its sheer size is awe-inspiring, and the modern architectural design is both unique and fitting for such a significant spiritual site. The atmosphere inside the basilica is one of profound peace and reverence. Despite its capacity to hold thousands of pilgrims, the space feels surprisingly intimate, making it an ideal setting for prayer and reflection. The simplicity of the concrete arches and minimalist decor enhances the sense of calm and allows visitors to focus on the spiritual experience. One thing to note, however, is that there were quite a few mosquitoes inside, which was a bit of an annoyance during our visit. While it didn’t detract from the overall experience, it’s something to be aware of, especially if you’re sensitive to insect bites.