Rapid urbanisation

In 1858, Lourdes was a small town with a population of around 4,000. The local economy was centred mainly on farming, quarrying and milling. As soon as Bernadette had her first apparitions, public enthusiasm was so great that access to the grotto was prohibited. In 1859, 30,000 people travelled to Lourdes. In 1862, work began on the basilica, which would mark the start of the town’s transformation. A railway station was built, the medieval streets were widened, Boulevard de la Grotte was developed and a tramway was commissioned. These urban upheavals would change Lourdes for good in less than forty years!

In 1858, Lourdes was a small village with a population of 4,000. The local economy was based mainly on agriculture, quarrying and mills. From the very first apparitions, public enthusiasm was such that access to the grotto was prohibited. In 1859, 30,000 people travelled to Lourdes. In 1862, work began on the basilica, marking the start of the town’s transformation. A railway station was built, the medieval streets were widened, the Boulevard de la Grotte was developed, and a tram service was introduced. These urban developments transformed Lourdes in less than forty years.

In 1858, Lourdes was a small village with a population of 4,000. The local economy was based mainly on agriculture, quarrying and milling. From the very first apparitions, public enthusiasm was such that access to the grotto had to be restricted. From 1859 onwards, 30,000 visitors made their way to Lourdes. In 1862, work began on the basilica, marking the start of the town’s transformation. A railway station was built, the medieval streets were widened, the Boulevard de la Grotte was reorganised and a tram service was introduced. These urban changes transformed Lourdes in less than 40 years!

In 1858, Lourdes was a small village with a population of 4,000. The local economy relied primarily on agriculture and the operation of quarries and mills. From the very first Marian apparitions, local interest was so great that access to the grotto had to be restricted. By 1859, 30,000 people were already travelling to Lourdes. In 1862, construction of the basilica began, literally laying the foundation for the town’s transformation. A railway station was opened, the medieval alleyways were widened, the Boulevard de la Grotte was laid out, and a tram line was even laid. All these urban changes gave the town of Lourdes a completely different appearance in just 40 years.

In 1858, Lourdes was a small town with a population of 4,000. The local economy relied mainly on agriculture, quarries and mills. From the very first apparitions, the enthusiasm amongst the population grew so great that access to the grotto was prohibited. In 1859, 30,000 people flocked to Lourdes. In 1862, work began on the basilica, which would herald the town’s transformation. A railway station was built, the medieval streets were widened, the Boulevard de la Grotte was laid out and a tram line was brought into service. All these urban developments would completely transform the appearance of Lourdes in less than forty years!

In 1858, Lourdes was a small town with a population of 4,000. The local economy was based mainly on agriculture, quarrying and milling. From the very first apparitions, public enthusiasm was so great that access to the grotto was prohibited. From 1859 onwards, 30,000 people made the pilgrimage to Lourdes. In 1862, construction of the basilica began, marking the start of the town’s transformation. A railway station was built, the medieval streets were widened, the Grotte boulevard was developed and a tram line was opened. These urban developments transformed Lourdes in the space of just forty years!