The Sint-Alexius Beguinage is located in the centre of Dendermonde. The first buildings were erected in 1288. The Lourdes Grotto was realised in 1900 and stands behind the Beguinage Church.
It is noticeable that the Lourdes grotto has a side aisle with a passage on both the left-hand and right-hand sides. In the niche at a height of about 2 metres stands a large statue of Mary, and the clothing of Our Lady has the colours blue and white. In front of the grotto, on an elevated platform, is a small effigy of Bernadette kneeling. In the left-hand side grotto are some small statues of Mary, as well as in the niche diagonally below the statue of Mary. An iron railing has been placed in front of the grotto. The grotto has also been restored since 1900.
The Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes receives many visitors daily, and for them, there is a bench to sit and reflect in meditation with Mary.
In the beguinage garden, there is also a statue of a Beguine. The Begiunage houses the City Museum Beguinage and the Ethnological Museum.
Address: Begijnhof 1, entrance on Brusselsestraat, 9200 Dendermonde.
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