The Lourdes Grotto in Wijchen stands in the presbytery garden, diagonally behind the church, which is dedicated to Saint Anthony Abbot.
The material from which the grotto is constructed dates back many years. The Lourdes grotto and the rise behind it are made from the remains of a former church. This place of worship stood about a thousand years ago on the site of the current church.
Around 1900, the Lourdes Grotto was built, and it is a small replica of the original grotto in the French pilgrimage site of Lourdes.
Beneath the statue of Mary, there is a niche where candles can be lit, and this is made much use of, as candles are always burning in the grotto. In front of the Grotto of Lourdes, there is an altar table.
Since 2022, the Lourdes Grotto has been a municipal monument, as it is of general importance, not only from an architectural-historical perspective but also due to the object's cultural-historical value. The grotto's monumental status has freed up financial resources to carry out necessary repairs, as the structure has shown cracks and subsidence has been observed.
Vlak na de restauratie, in 2024, is er vandalisme gepleegd. De beeltenis van Maria is uit de nis gehaald en er is brand gesticht.
In the park-like rectory garden, there are two reliefs, namely of Mary and Francis. These artworks come from former schools opposite the church. Each relief is a municipal monument.
The well-maintained Lourdes grotto and the neatly kept presbytery garden are freely accessible daily.
Address of the Lourdesgrotto: Oosterweg 4, 6602HD Wijchen. Wijchen is located 12 km southwest of the large city of Nijmegen.
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