Enter the Miraculous Chapel of the Virgin
by hquittner
The inside the chapel is quite dark and difficult to photograph. One side of the chapel is cliff wall . At the back is a retable housing Our Lady of Rocamadour holding the Infant Jesus on her knee. It is a wooden statue of the 12C. It has discolored over time and is dubbed the "Black Virgin" (as have many similar effigies elsewhere). Hanging from the vaulting of the chapel is the 9C miraculous bell which rings spontaneously now and then indicating the saving of a life of a sailor, freeing of a prisoner, etc. (many votive offerings).
A visit to ROCAMADOUR
by VincentJJ
"Rocamadour France"
Rocamadour...
Historic shrine perched on a limestone cliff, Rocamadour tells a story of religious belief and human endeavour.
Looking out over the gorge of the River Alzou, this city devoted to the Virgin Mary has remained for over nine hundred years a symbol of faith and hope
"History"
Its History
Sacred City
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The pilgrimage :
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Even before the 10th century, an ancient oratory dedicated to the Virgin Mary was built against the cliff on the edge of the spectacular Alzou Canyon.
Rocamadour became as important pilgrimage place in the Christian West as Santiago de Compostella, thanks to the progress of the Marian cult and thanks to the discovery, in 1166, of the body named St Amadour.
Unfortunately, the many religious wars laid waste to the shrines and only in the 17th century was a new set of liturgical pieces amassed. In the 19th century, a book on the history of Rocamadour (Abbé Caillau 1842) revived the pilgrimage.
Today, Rocamadour remains a famous place which offers pilgrims historical works and spiritual experiences.
La Sportelle (from Sporta)
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The pilgrim wished to bring back with him an insignia which symbolized his pilgrimage and which could be considered a relic. The "sportelle" (a medal) was often worn as an amulet, sewn on the hat or on the coat, and was used as a pass to cross certain war-torn areas. The "sportelle" displays the Virgin Mary supporting the Child Jesus on her left knee. It was crafted in lead, bronze, tin, silver or gold by the smiths of the village, on the Rue de la Mercerie, and was sold on the Place des Senhals
"Famous Hotel"
INFO
More Hotel info of the HOUSE of the knight of Malta:JEHAN DE VALON (1440-1516)
mi's
The Town of L'Hospitalet from Belvedere
Alzou River (In Trees Near Bottom Below Road)
Parking Area
