Lourdes Grotto of Palanga Manor

Within the grand ensemble of the Palanga Manor and the lush Birutė Park lies one of the city's most serene and mystical sites – the Lourdes Grotto (Lurdo grota). Created in 1898 at the initiative of Count Feliksas Tiškevičius, it is said that his wife, Antoinette, requested its construction as a gesture of gratitude for a miraculous recovery, inspired by the original shrine in Lourdes, France.

The grotto is masterfully crafted from uncut fieldstones to form a natural-looking cave, with a niche housing the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Nestled beside a small pond and surrounded by ancient trees, it offers an atmosphere of profound silence and spiritual calm, even during the peak of the tourist season. Legend has it that the Count had stones brought specifically from France to ensure the grotto’s authenticity.

Today, the Lourdes Grotto is a cherished spot for pilgrims, artists, and those seeking a quiet retreat. It remains a vital part of Palanga’s cultural heritage, where the aristocratic elegance of the manor era blends seamlessly with the raw, spiritual beauty of nature.