Bredevoort – Lourdes Grotto

Bredevoort is a former fortified town, with ramparts that reached up to 7 metres in height. The ramparts were dismantled in the 18th century. An English garden was laid out on the ground where the fortifications once stood tall.

In 1900, the St. Bernardus Monastery was established, where the sick and elderly were cared for. A monastery garden and procession park were also laid out. This was done on the grounds of the former defensive works.

In 1912, the Lourdes grotto is created by stonemason Bernardus Elschot. To this end, stone slag is used. The grotto stands on the remnants of the “Vreesniet” bastion. The grotto was built on the initiative of Franciscan sisters from Denekamp, who belong to the congregation from Thuine in Germany, a village just across the border, near the Dutch city of Emmen. On 1 May 1912, the start of Mary's month, the grotto was consecrated by Father Akkermans, who has been active in Bredevoort since 1909. The sisters reside in the monastery from 1902 until 1938.

In 2010, the Lourdes Grotto underwent a much-needed restoration. This was done on the initiative of the Vereniging Bredevoorts Belang, the owner of the domain on which the grotto stands. Contributors to the grotto's restoration included the municipality of Aalten, the province of Gelderland, the Catholic Church, and the Protestant Church. On the glass doors protecting the grotto from vandalism, there is a poem by a minister. Behind the glass protection stand the effigies of Mary and seer Bernadette Soubirous. During the restoration, a stone is discovered with the inscription “B. Elschot 1 May 1912”, thus revealing the creator of the grotto and its opening date. After the thorough restoration of the grotto, it was reconsecrated.

In front of the cave are benches in an open space, surrounded by bushes and trees. When the glass doors are closed, it is not possible to light a candle.

The Lourdes Grotto is a municipal monument, located in Vestingpark Sint-Bernardus, near the moat and in front of the Teahouse. From Landstraat, follow a ±100-metre gravel path, and the Lourdes Grotto will be on your right.

In and around Bredevoort, there are many cycling and walking opportunities.

Bredevoort belongs to the municipality of Aalten, is located in the province of Gelderland, in the Achterhoek region, and is a few kilometres from the German-Dutch border.

Address of the Lourdes Grotto: Vestingpark Sint-Bernardus, Landstraat, Bredevoort.

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