Next to the car park near the Cave of Lorette, you can see the exquisite Chapel of Lorette, a listed building since 1959. It was constructed in the 17th century at the request of the Countess Josine de la Marck, the wife of Théodore de Loewenstein, Count of Rochefort. According to local legend, Josine de la Marck had promised a chapel to the Holy Virgin if her child – which had been abducted by a monkey – was returned to her safe and sound.
The chapel is divided into two different sections: a classical, square nave in dressed sandstone and, a long, rectangular choir in brick and Belgian bluestone, which is where the original place of pilgrimage was. It dates from 1625 and is a replica of the Santa Casa de Loreta in Italy, which in turn is a reproduction of Maria of Nazareth’s house. Our Lady of Lorette was proclaimed Patron Saint of aviators by Pope Benedict XV. The lane of linden trees was planted as a continuation of the Calvary.
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Randonnées de la Maison du Tourisme Famenne - Ardenne Ourthe & Lesse PRO