© PWilliamson
© PWilliamson
© PWilliamson
© PWIlliamson
© PWilliamson
© PWilliamson
© PWilliamson
La Cite Religieuse
The many pilgrimage sites of Le Sanctuaire de Rocamadour
Overlooking the Alzou canyon, the medieval village of Rocamadour is perched on a cliff. The religious city at the heart of Rocamadour consists of seven chapels is reached by climbing the 216 steps of the Grand Escalier.
Dating from the 12th century, when the first hermits settled in a large rock shelter, this medieval centre's main pilgrimage site is the Chapelle de Notre-Dame. In 1166 the perfectly preserved body of Saint Amadour was discovered where the Sanctuary has since been erected.
Grand Escalier - With its 216 steps the Grand Escalier is the last stage before you reach the Sanctuary. Millions of pilgrims, including Saint Louis (King of France), Saint Dominic and Saint Anthony of Padua, have climbed these stairs. This is the hardest part of the pilgrimage and a way of doing penance before meeting Our Lady of Rocamadour.
La Porte Sainte - the Holy Door is the final pathway to the Shrine of Our Lady of Rocamadour. You should remember that appropriate dress is necessary when entering this part of the town.
Chapelle de Notre-Dame - This chapel houses the Black Madonna statue that the pilgrim Zaccheus is said to have brought with him. This statue is made from two pieces of wood and is believed to have healing powers. According to the Book of Miracles written in 1172, the Black Madonna or, Our Lady of Rocamadour, cured diseases, delivered prisoners from persecution, rescued sailors and also protected many soldiers during war.
La Basilique Saint-Sauveur - 850 year-old church that was elevated to the rank of minor basilica in 1913. This is where pilgrims are invited to receive the sacrament of confession from a priest.
The tomb of Saint-Amadour is housed in the Chapelle Miraculeuse. There is also a beautiful outdoor painting of the 12th century, above the Saint-Michel chapel, depicting the Annunciation and the Visitation.
The final stopping point for pilgrims is L'Hospitalet, at the top of the cliff, via the Chemin du pèlerin (pilgrim path) which offers incredible views of the surrounding area.
Watch out for
This town can be challenging for those with reduced mobility but there is a lift available so that you can easily access the Sanctuaire area and the religious buildings there. The Chemin du pèlerin rises at a gentle gradient that would allow you to walk slowly or push a wheelchair, making the upper parts equally as accessible.
Who should go
This is a wonderful example of religious history and interesting for all who visit, young and old.
When to come
As the main way to access this site is up a flight of stairs and further steep path, it is advisable not to do this trip at midday during the hot summer months.
