HISTORY


The Basilica of the Rosary was built between 1883 and 1889 to replace the original chapel on the site of the apparations of the Virgin Mary. It was consecrated in 1901, had a capacity of 1,500 worshippers.

On November 5, 2001, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Rosary Basilica, Pope John Paul II issued a papal letter that read in part:

Living parable of stone and light, this basilica reveals to pilgrims' eyes the 15 mysteries of the life of Christ, thus revealing the profound meaning of the rosary. Led by the Virgin Mary, this prayer, which contemplates the redeeming Incarnation, enables us to participate in the acts of the Savior. We journey in the history of salvation with this most pure Mother and, by meditating on the mysteries of the rosary, receive the love of God, manifested sublimely in the gift of the Incarnate Word.

WHAT TO SEE

Designed in a Byzantine-influenced Romanesque style in the shape of a Greek (equal-armed) cross, the Rosary Basilica features two unique elliptical ramps embracing a square that can hold almost 80,000 people.

Above the main doors of basilica, two mosaic circular panels made in the workshops of the Vatican depict Pope Leo XIII (left) and Bishop Schoepfer of Tarbes and Lourdes (1899-1927).

When she appeared at Lourdes, the Virgin Mary was described by St. Bernadette as holding a rosary in her hand. The Basilica of the Rosary is dedicated to this theme. Its three arches depict the joyful, sorrowful and glorious mysteries. Catholics meditate on these mysteries (events in the lives of Jesus and Mary) while saying the rosary.

The basilica has an impressive entry facade, depicting Mary handing the Rosary to St. Dominic. Its style is influenced by Byzantine architecture. The nave is open and circular, surmounted by a dome. The exterior of the dome is surmounted by a dramatic gilded crown and cross, which were a gift from the People of Ireland in 1924.

The nave is surrounded by fifteen smaller side chapels, one for each of the traditional Mysteries of the Rosary. The basilica is currently undergoing modification to include a depiction of the Luminous Mysteries, which were added to the traditional fifteen by Pope John Paul II in 2002.
In the upper wall of the sanctuary is a mosaic depicting Mary with outstretched arms and the caption Par Marie à Jésus ("Through Mary to Jesus").

The Basilica of the Rosary (Basilique Notre-Dame du Rosaire) is one of several places of worship at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes in Lourdes, France. It is located below and in front of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception.

Around the central dome, the transepts and the sanctuary contain 15 Chapels of the Mysteries, which are decorated with mosaics depicting the 15 mysteries of the rosary (the five Joyous, five Sorrowful, and five Glorious).


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