L’Épine - Basilique Notre-Dame

Since the 13th century a small church, dedicated to the Virgin, was known here, that developed into a place of pilgrimage. Rich donations made the erection of the church seen today possible. The construction started in 1405 and was completed in 1527.

Basilique Notre-Dame, located in a village (pop. ~600), is about 59 metres long. Here is the nave. On the 17th-century rod screen is the red and yellow "umbraculum", one of the symbols bestowed by the pope, when he elevated the church to the rank of a "basilica minor". Below is a replica of the miraculous statue of the Virgin. According to a legend the statue was found by shepherds in the Middle Ages in a burning thorn bush.