Lourdes Grotto

Carved into the side of a limestone hill in the San Nicolas area of Oranjestad, Lourdes Grotto is an ornate shrine built in 1958 by a local priest and his parishioners. The grotto, named after the famous French Catholic landmark, houses a 1,500-pound (680-kilogram) statue of the Virgin Mary, surrounded by candles, flowers, and other offerings. Visitors can explore the serene and spiritual atmosphere, where the soft glow of candlelight and the fragrance of fresh flowers create a tranquil setting for reflection and prayer.