Why is Rocamadour famous?

Famous for its sanctuaries and more especially for its Black Virgin, Rocamadour attracts every year a large number of visitors and pilgrims. Moreover, the village of Rocamadour is the second most visited attraction in France after Mont-Saint-Michel!

What is the meaning of Rocamadour?

Saint Amadour’s body was found in a cave in the year 1166, and the identity of the body was assumed to be a hermit who lived in the area. Because of his devotion to God, he was given the name Amator, meaning “the lover.” This evolved the name of the town, Rocamadour meaning the “rock of the lover.”

Is Rocamadour worth visiting?

Rocamadour is one of France’s most important tourist destinations. Rocamadour has several highlights well worth exploring, although it is the ‘village as a perfect unity’ which is really the big attraction. The village clings to the cliff side above the river Alzou and is so picture perfect it is quite breathtaking.

How old is Rocamadour?

A thousand years of History In 1166, an incorruptible body was found buried where the Sanctuary now lays. This discovery propelled Rocamadour to become one of the 4 most important pilgrimage sites in medieval Christiandom, attracting Kings and paupers alike.

When was Rocamadour founded?

In 1172, the Benedictine monks started writing the Book of Miracles in which 126 miracles were authenticated. Rocamadour became an autonomous village by the decree of Bernard de Ventadour in 1223.

How do I get to Rocamadour?

Getting There — The best way to reach Rocamadour is by car. From Bordeaux, travel east along A89 autoroute to Brive-la-Gaillarde, then take the A20 to exit 54 toward Gramat. Then continue on D840 and take the D673 south to Rocamadour.

How do I get to Rocamadour France?

Who built Rocamadour?

Géraud d’Escorailles
Géraud d’Escorailles, abbot of Saint-Martin of Tulle, had a sanctuary built in Rocamadour in 1152 that could welcome the crowds of pilgrims. The fame of Rocamadour was greatly reinforced when in 1166 the well-preserved body of a hermit, thought to be St. Amadour, was discovered in front of the Notre-Dame oratory.