Immaculate Conception Basilica

The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception is a Gothic Revival church designed by architect Hippolyte Durand and constructed between 1862 and 1871. As the oldest basilica within the sanctuary complex, it was established following the Marian apparitions reported by Bernadette Soubirous in 1858. The structure includes a crypt where Bernadette Soubirous, the visionary of the site, attended the first mass.

This minor basilica has a maximum capacity of 550 people and is part of a 50-hectare religious domain. The grounds center around the Grotto of Massabielle, the site where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared. The sanctuary is a major global pilgrimage site, attracting millions of people annually, particularly those who are sick or disabled seeking healing and consolation.

The site is open to the public and features facilities such as chapels, prayer areas, and a sacred spring known for its water. Spiritual activities include attending mass, lighting candles, and participating in processions. The domain also accommodates volunteer efforts to assist fragile pilgrims.