Marta Pilar
Almost an exact replica
Located in an old quarry, which previously provided building stone, and surrounded by luxuriant vegetation, the block was donated in 1937 by Dr. Norberto Peralta Ramos of the Religious Congregation of the Sisters of Divine Providence. The design and execution of the Grotto were made famous by the architect Luis Cossa. The grotto is almost an exact replica of the original in France, together with the Via Crucis at the entrance to the left, and the mysteries of the Rosary to the right. Both culminate in the beautiful Chapel that is integrated with the outdoor Grotto presiding over which is the crowned image of the Virgin on the altar with inlaid onyx and majolica and with the 18 apparitions of Our Lady of Lourdes.
This religious complex also has the Oratorio "San Jose" and Santeria on top. There are scale replicas of the cities of Bethlehem and Jerusalem with light kits, waterfalls and biblical characters that can be moved with the purchase of a chip that provides power. The feast of Our Lady is celebrated on February 11 and thousands of devotees and tourists visit. My first visit was in May 1965 when I got married and the first black and white photos date from that era. At that time the replica of Bethlehem did not exist. The Grotto it can be visited every day from 9:00-16:00. With free admission and the miniature town of Bethlehem 8:00-12:00 and 15:00-18:00. Until the summer of 2009 the entrance fee to the city of Bethlehem was € 0.35 with children under 12 years free. Daily from 9:00-16:00.
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