Historical Marker

Grotto & Garden of Our Lady of Lourdes

The Grotto (D.X. Murphy & Bros., Architects) was dedicated in 1927 as a place for contemplation on St. Joseph Infirmary grounds. Two-story, half-domed, concrete apse is faced on inside with stones and rubble. Modeled on natural grotto at Lourdes, SW France, where Virgin Mary appeared to Bernadette Soubirous in 1858.

Reverse

Their statues adorned Louisville Grotto. Masonry walls enclose Grotto’s Garden. Fourteen arched niches, since filled in, held mosaics of Stations of the Cross, events from end of Jesus’ life. Dwane Beckhart painted modern replacements. Named state landmark by Ky. Heritage Council, 2001.