The Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes is now fully open following a three-month beautification project. Between Commencement and move-in weekend, workers removed the asphalt path and installed natural cut stone pavers. They also installed new memorial benches and replaced the narrow and uneven steps on the north side of the Grotto with wider steps with railings on both sides. Temporary railings will soon be replaced with permanent ones. Facilities and Operations planners broke the Grotto project into several phases, with the intention to never completely close the sacred space to visitors. It is one of the most visited sites on campus for tourists. (Feature photo, above, taken by Matt Cashore/University of Notre Dame).
The north staircase leading down to the Grotto was completely replaced with steps that are about three times as wide as before. The temporary railing will be replaced this fall. (Photos taken by NDWorks)
A series of new weatherproof benches now adorn the perimeter of the Grotto.
The natural stone pavers extend into the cave of the Grotto.
It took workers three months to complete the extensive beautification of the Grotto.
The natural stone pavers extend from Holy Cross Drive to the Grotto.