The “vertical village” is often called the small medieval town of Rocamadour. It is located in a picturesque place in the south-west of France, on a rocky, almost sheer cliff above the Alzou River. Many travelers include Rocamadour in their tourist itinerary. On average, about 1.5 million people visit these places during the year.
Rocamadour has become famous for its picturesque views, beautiful natural landscapes and Christian shrines located in the city and its surroundings. This town is popular among both ordinary tourists and pilgrims, including bishops, noble nobles and even kings at various times.
The settlement got its name in honor of Amadour, a holy hermit who was born in these parts and lived all his life. Rocamadour belongs to the places of worship of the Virgin Mary. It became one of the main pilgrimage routes of the Christian world back in the distant XII century. Since then, this town has been visited by a huge number of Christians – both ordinary people and celebrities.
Rocamadour is a city of Christian pilgrimage
The main places to visit are the crypt, where the relics of St. Amadour are kept, and the chapel of Notre Dame. It houses a miraculous statue of the Black Madonna, which became an object of worship in the 19th century. At the very top of the cliff stands the Rocamadour Castle, which is reached by a high staircase with 216 steps and 14 platforms.
Pilgrims must visit basilicas and chapels, the foundation of which dates back to the XII and XIII centuries. The complex of religious buildings was recognized as a national historical monument in 2000. Several fortified medieval gates have been preserved in the town. Another attraction of Rocamadour is the sword in the cleft of the rock. According to medieval legend, it was the sword of the hero of the French legends Roland.
From the mountainside there is a magnificent view of the town and the Alzu valley, but the most picturesque panorama is visible from the other side of the river. In the vicinity of Rocamadour there are caves with prehistoric rock carvings and an underground lake, which are open to tourists.
Gourmets will be interested in these places because they produce fine cheese here. Just like the city, it is called “rocamadour”. It is made from goat’s milk, and the first mention of this product dates back to the XV century.
