Poperinge – Lourdes Grotto

Within the grounds of Woonpark De Lovie in Poperinge, there is a large Lourdes grotto. De Lovie is an institution for people with intellectual disabilities. The estate, including its buildings, once belonged to people of nobility and high standing. The castle in the former park dates from 1856. Between 1930 and 1960, the complex operated as a sanatorium for tuberculosis patients called Sanatorium Sint-Idesbald, where the sick were nursed by sisters from Kortemark.

In 1933 the grotto was built by contractor Arthur Nachtegaele (1908-1970) from Diksmuide, whose company specialised in building Lourdes grottoes. The grotto is 7.5 metres high and 20 metres wide and is located in the middle of the wooded estate on a small island. The statue of Mary stands in the upper right niche at a height of about two metres and above the image can be read “I am the Immaculate Conception”. In the large lower niche there is an altar table. In front of the grotto there are quite a few benches, which points to well-attended gatherings held there. The statue of the visionary Bernadette Soubirous, with a rosary, stands to the front left of the grotto.

In 1933, the Lourdes grotto was inaugurated by Henricus (Henri) Lamiroy (1883-1952), Bishop of Bruges (1931-1952).

The beautifully situated Lourdes grotto stands on a small island in the vast, tree-filled park and makes a neglected impression during the visit in August 2026. The grotto is cordoned off with tape.

Upon entering De Lovie, turn left for the visitor car park. Then follow the “reception” sign, turn left after about 200 metres and left again after some 100 metres, cross a small bridge and the Lourdes Grotto can then be seen in the middle of the little island.

Address: Woonpark De Lovie, Krombeekseweg 82, 8970 Poperinge.

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