National Shrine Grotto of Lourdes
National Shrine Grotto of Lourdes
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The National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, a Catholic shrine devoted to Our Blessed Mother Mary, is a place of worship, pilgrimage, evangelization and reconciliation. This beautiful mountain shrine features one of the oldest American replicas of the Lourdes shrine in France, built about two decades after the apparition of Mary at Lourdes in 1858, and attracts hundreds of thousands of pilgrims each year from all over the world. It offers the occasion for a deepening conversion, a step forward in the journey to God, with Mary as the model for that journey.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
168 reviews
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134
Very good
29
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4
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1
Bill B
Bel Air, MD7,799 contributions
Feb 2023 • Friends
The National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes began as a rustic place of contemplation and communing with nature for Rev. John DuBois, founder of Mount St. Mary's University in 1809. Today, the site on the mountain site overlooking the University has evolved into a form of memorial gardens with stone and statuary remembrances everywhere, all bordering the well-kept paths around the premises. A chapel, a Campanile, and a tall golden statue of Mary greet visitors upon entry. One can still see the small wood log cottage known as John Cabin, located below the Pangborn Campanile, which is named for John Hughes, who lived there in 1819, while supervising the gardens and taking classes in the seminary. Even in the middle of winter, the area has plenty of green from rhododendron and evergreens.
Written February 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Michael W
Edison, NJ796 contributions
Sep 2021
We were staying in nearby Gettysburg and a Priest friend of ours recommended a stop here.
There are several paved paths leading up to Our Lady's Grotto all of the paths have statues along the way each with seating that you may meditate at.
We were fortunate to be able to attend Mass at the Glass Chapel, the Mass was celebrated by young Priests from St. Mary's Seminary that is next door.
The Gift Shop has a wide variety of things to purchase and also has very clean Restrooms.
There are several paved paths leading up to Our Lady's Grotto all of the paths have statues along the way each with seating that you may meditate at.
We were fortunate to be able to attend Mass at the Glass Chapel, the Mass was celebrated by young Priests from St. Mary's Seminary that is next door.
The Gift Shop has a wide variety of things to purchase and also has very clean Restrooms.
Written October 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
miastar225
Hazleton, PA85 contributions
Nov 2020 • Solo
I highly recommend a visit here to anyone, regardless of your religious beliefs. The grounds are gorgeous and you get such a peaceful feeling walking along the paths. I felt the holiness of this place very deeply.. The statues and artwork, stations of the cross and rosary walk are very inspirational. Do yourself a favor and go. There's no admission fee. Just looking at the view of the mountains is worth a visit.
Written November 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Poydjom
Baltimore, MD77 contributions
Aug 2020
We arrived on a Sunday during Mass (we didn't realize they offered an outdoor mass) so there were quite a few people there. However, people were generally very respectful of the site and the grounds are so beautifully wooded that it was quite peaceful. I'm sure it would be even more so during the week.
Written September 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Teresa F
Johnstown, PA129 contributions
Sep 2020 • Friends
Shady peaceful stroll to a beautiful fountain with numerous art installations along the way. Even with COVID, it is easy & possible to social distance. Plenty of places to sit, and restrooms are available. Good place to stop in conjunction with Gettysburg.
Written September 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mark Rom
Washington DC, DC52 contributions
Jan 2017 • Couples
I'll admit it: we didn't want to be in Washington DC for inaugural day. I had attended every inauguration (Reagan, G.H.W Bush, Clinton, G.W. Bush, Obama) since I had been living in Washington....but this one would have been too much. So we decided to clear out of town.
Our goals? A place for worship and serenity (the Grotto). A place to celebrate American heroes (the Fallen Firefighters Memorial). A place to enjoy outdoor adventures (Ski Liberty).
The Grotto was our first stop. We had driven by it many times on our trips through the heartland, but had never visited before.
We're glad we did. The day was misty, and almost no one was there. This made the paths, the memorials, the candles lit in memory, even more inspiring and contemplative. We were in awe of those who dedicated their lives, their talents, and their fortunes into creating such a beautiful shrine.
Yes, that's right: even today, a Muslim and an atheist, newly married, could celebrate our nation's great history of tolerance, mutual respect, and religious freedom.
Our goals? A place for worship and serenity (the Grotto). A place to celebrate American heroes (the Fallen Firefighters Memorial). A place to enjoy outdoor adventures (Ski Liberty).
The Grotto was our first stop. We had driven by it many times on our trips through the heartland, but had never visited before.
We're glad we did. The day was misty, and almost no one was there. This made the paths, the memorials, the candles lit in memory, even more inspiring and contemplative. We were in awe of those who dedicated their lives, their talents, and their fortunes into creating such a beautiful shrine.
Yes, that's right: even today, a Muslim and an atheist, newly married, could celebrate our nation's great history of tolerance, mutual respect, and religious freedom.
Written January 29, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Freedom30982
Zephyrhills, FLorida6 contributions
We were traveling from Florida to Gettysburg, PA when we came upon a road sign directing us to the National Shrine Grotto of Lourdes. My husband, our two best friends from Nebraska and myself drove up the narrow, winding road on the side of the mountain to a most peaceful, beautiful and spiritual location. We walked along the path where we passed the Stations of the Cross surrounded by beautiful landscapes of bushes and flowers. Benches graced the walkway. We stopped to pray at the chapel. We were so moved by the experience that we came back Sunday to meditate at the grotto and attend services. The subject of the week in the newsletter was, "In God's plan, nothing happens by chance." This unexpected side trip on the side of a mountain was the highlight of our journey.
Written May 5, 2005
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dukesmum
Baltimore2 contributions
Even if you aren't a religious person per se, this special place gives one pause to be still and reflect. Communion with nature and a higher power is incredibly healing to the wounded spirit. The absolute stillness is in and of itself incredibly moving. It's up to the individual to take away as little or as much as they desire. For me, it has been almost like a mini-silent retreat. One word of caution however, the Grotto can be crowded on weekends and there are some who don't adhere to the "silence zones", so for a non-interrupted experience, weekdays are ideal.
Written April 30, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ambassador7333
Pasadena, Maryland1 contribution
The National Shrine Grotto in Emmitsburg, MD. was a real delight. It's a serene walk in the woods passed several statues, markers, shrines, etc. There are stations of the cross and many biblical sayings. There are benches where you can stop to pray or meditate. It's very low-keyed. Many carried water with them to enjoy along the way. There's a chapel which holds different services at different times. It was so crowded the day I was there that the visitors were sitting outside listening to the sermon. With the surrounding woods, it was nice to move at your own pace. Others passed by but they were very quiet and respectful. I would recommend to anyone wanted to lift their spiritual side.
Written July 2, 2003
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Molga
New York117 contributions
This beautiful shrine is a replica of the shrine in France. The pastoral setting features impressive statues, the stations of the cross and the rosary mysteries. Pilgrims can rest on the many benches and pray at one of the two chapels. One can light a candle at the grotto. There is a lovely pond and a spring where one can take some of the water.
Not just for Catholics, the shrine provides a wonderful, peaceful atmosphere perfect for meditation and spiritual renewal. Parking is free and there is a small trailer that houses a very limited gift store (bottles for holy water, and rosaries). Maps of the shrine are complimentary. Visitors do quite a bit of walking so sensible shoes are recommended.
Not just for Catholics, the shrine provides a wonderful, peaceful atmosphere perfect for meditation and spiritual renewal. Parking is free and there is a small trailer that houses a very limited gift store (bottles for holy water, and rosaries). Maps of the shrine are complimentary. Visitors do quite a bit of walking so sensible shoes are recommended.
Written November 4, 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Are hotels close by
PaBirddog
pa799 contributions
Yes. There are plenty of options for lodging nearby, including hotels and camping.
Are pets allowed on the grounds?
Michael B
Odenton, MD36 contributions
I don’t know; this was our third visit to the Grotto and I do not recall ever seeing leashed animals on the grounds.
CC C
Alexandria, VA
Thank you in advance for answering. For blessing the water at the Grotto, are the Grotto Chaplains nearby to bless the bottles that you bring and fill with water, or do you have to go to the chapel/church? Thanks.
Mom2drew_katie
173 contributions
Yes, the chaplains are available to bless the Grotto water to make it holy. They are on the grounds Thursday through Monday from 10 am to 3 pm. Stop by the Miller Visitor's Center and staff can assist you.
National Shrine Grotto of Lourdes (Emmitsburg) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about National Shrine Grotto of Lourdes
- Hotels near National Shrine Grotto of Lourdes:
- (8.07 mi) Battlefield Bed and Breakfast Inn
- (7.92 mi) The Lodges at Gettysburg
- (9.39 mi) Georges on York Bed & Breakfast
- (9.60 mi) Antrim 1844
- (2.59 mi) Sleep Inn & Suites Emmitsburg
- Restaurants near National Shrine Grotto of Lourdes:
- (0.92 mi) Chubby's Barbeque
- (1.91 mi) Carriage House Inn
- (2.05 mi) Ott House Restaurant
- (1.54 mi) Command Post Pub
- (2.05 mi) Palms