Rocamadour, France

Rocamadour is a small village located in the great gorge of the Alsace River in southwestern France, which is one of the most visited places in France. It all began when the body of a man believed to be Zacchaeus, the husband of Saint Veronica, later renamed Saint Amador, was discovered here in 1166. His relics were considered miraculous and so pilgrims from all over the world began to come here to Rocamadour.

The Chapel of St. The Virgin Mary, carved into the rocks in 1479, acquired this appearance after its restoration in the 19th century. A large staircase with 216 steps leads from the village to the chapel. The most faithful pilgrims used to climb these steps on their knees. The chapel houses the statue of the Black Madonna, which is housed in a beautifully carved altar. It is a roughly carved wooden statue of the Virgin Mary, darkened by time. Pilgrims used to leave various objects dear to them in front of the statue of the Black Madonna, believing that it would help them.

According to legend, the bell starts ringing on its own when it predicts a miracle.

To the left of the chapel is the 12th-century Basilica of Saint Sauveur, where the crypt of Saint Amador is with his remains laid there. It was also restored in the 19th century.

On the top of the rock a castle-fortress was built to protect the sanctuary, which was restored in the 19th century. Roland was a historical figure - a warlord from Charlemagne's army. The Museum of Sacred Art displays a huge collection of ecclesiastical art objects.

Several caves have been discovered in the cliffs: the Merwey Cave, used as a refuge for people since the Paleolithic; the Linar Cave, which served as a dwelling and necropolis in the Bronze Age. Near the settlement of Rocamadour is the huge limestone chasm of Padirak, 100 m wide and 246 m deep. Elevators and stairs descend to the chasm itself. Thrill-seekers can take a flat-bottomed boat ride on the underwater river and explore the Hall with its large 90 m high dome-cave.