Medieval French Town Rocamadour 🏰

⛪ The medieval town of Rocamadour is located in the Lot department of the Occitanie region in southwestern France, within the tourism area of the Dordogne Valley. It is situated on the Causse de Gramat limestone plateau, the largest and most pristine of the Causses du Quercy, which are four limestone plateaus. 🏞️ Perched 120 meters above the valley de l’Alzou canyon, the town is a significant pilgrimage site, famous for its unique 12th-century Black Madonna wooden statue, La Vierge noire, attracting numerous tourists and pilgrims each year. 🖤 The town's name originates from Rocamajor, with "Roca" meaning shelter under rock (Abri sous Roche) and "major" meaning important. In 1166, the relics of Saint Amadour were discovered in front of the Basilica and were found to be well-preserved. However, during wartime, the relics were burned, leaving only some bones that are kept in the Basilica's crypt. The town also changed its name to Rocamadour. 🏰 The town is divided into three levels: Upper level - Château (Castle); Middle level - Sanctuaire (Church area); Lower level - Cité médiévale (medieval city streets). ✝️ Passing through the main street of the lower level and climbing 216 steps leads to the middle level's church area, where eight churches are built into the mountain, forming a complex for believers to pray. Further up, the Chemin de la Croix leads to the upper level, offering a panoramic view of the valley. 🚂 There are elevators connecting the three levels, and visitors can also take a sightseeing train to tour the town. 🔔 Inside the Basilica of Our Lady of Rocamadour, La Chapelle Notre-Dame de Rocamadour, hangs an ancient small iron bell from the vaulted ceiling, measuring 24 cm in height and 33 cm in diameter. Legend has it that the bell rings by itself whenever a sailor in danger at sea prays to the Virgin Mary and is saved. Over the centuries, 120 miracles have been authenticated. ⛵ Models of ships hanging inside the Basilica are offerings from sailors who survived sea disasters and came to fulfill their vows. 🗡️ Above the Basilica, on the cliff, there is an ancient sword embedded in the rock. It is said that this sword, named Durandal, was brought to Charlemagne by the angel Saint Michel and later given to Roland. To prevent the sword from falling into enemy hands during battle, Roland threw it away, and it lodged itself into the cliff of Rocamadour. 👣 Rocamadour is also an important stop on the Saint James' Way, Chemin de Saint Jacques de Compostelle. 🌍 In 1998, the religious sanctuary of Rocamadour was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. #Paris #PilgrimageRoute #BlackMadonnaSculpture