There are pieces of history scattered all over Kentucky, but it’s not every day you find one adjacent to an apartment complex. In the St. Joseph neighborhood of Louisville sits a horseshoe-shaped brick fence and inside is something very surprising. A rock garden and grotto are artfully placed here and it comes with a fascinating story. The Grotto and Garden of Our Lady of Lourdes isn’t particularly flashy or even noticeable, but if you’re in the area, it’s definitely worth a stop to experience this serene and historic site in Kentucky.

Located between Bradley Avenue and Preston Street, next to an apartment complex, is The Grotto and the Garden of Our Lady of Lourdes.

GoogleMaps Just driving past, you would definitely miss it and never know there’s a historical site sitting in this patch of grass. But this garden has been around for almost 100 years and remains a serene and unique place to visit.

Near this rock garden and grotto in Kentucky is a sign that gives some background on the space.

TripAdvisor/Cathy_Civy Dedicated in 1927, it was named a local and state historical landmark in 2001. And it hasn’t always been next to an apartment complex. Its original location makes quite a bit more sense.

This land was once the site of the St. Joseph Infirmary.

Google/Christina Hubbuch After the infirmary was relocated here from a location downtown, the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth built this grotto as a place for prayer and reflection.

It’s remarkable that the garden still exists and it’s thanks to countless hours of work and efforts by volunteers.

TripAdvisor/Cathy_Civy The garden is free to visit and is open year-round, but of course the plants are more vibrant in the summer and early fall.

It’s small and not necessarily a major attraction, but there’s a special feeling here of calm, reflection, and a sense of its history.

Google/Christina Hubbuch The garden walls and structures are impressive and this section is especially lovely. The garden was designed after a similar place in France, where a woman is said to have seen apparitions of the Virgin Mary.

Unfortunately, vandalism has been known to happen to the garden, so please be very respectful when you visit.

Google/Christina Hubbuch If you’re in the area and want a quiet place to reflect, this is a welcoming option. And if you can visit on a warm sunny day in late spring, summer, or fall, you’ll be treated to a truly lovely garden.

The garden also holds dedications and tributes to those who have been involved in its upkeep.

Google/Cathy Civy A lot of time and love have gone into this historical landmark over the years and while it may not be a tourist attraction, it is a special place in the state of Kentucky.

It’s rare to find a rock garden and grotto in Kentucky and even more rare to find a historical site right next to an apartment complex. But this neighborhood has a story and a part of that past is The Grotto and the Garden of Our Lady of Lourdes, a fascinating site hidden in a Kentucky neighborhood. Have you visited this historic garden? Do you know of other similar places? Let us know about them in the comments!

GoogleMaps

Just driving past, you would definitely miss it and never know there’s a historical site sitting in this patch of grass. But this garden has been around for almost 100 years and remains a serene and unique place to visit.

TripAdvisor/Cathy_Civy

Dedicated in 1927, it was named a local and state historical landmark in 2001. And it hasn’t always been next to an apartment complex. Its original location makes quite a bit more sense.

Google/Christina Hubbuch

After the infirmary was relocated here from a location downtown, the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth built this grotto as a place for prayer and reflection.

The garden is free to visit and is open year-round, but of course the plants are more vibrant in the summer and early fall.

The garden walls and structures are impressive and this section is especially lovely. The garden was designed after a similar place in France, where a woman is said to have seen apparitions of the Virgin Mary.

If you’re in the area and want a quiet place to reflect, this is a welcoming option. And if you can visit on a warm sunny day in late spring, summer, or fall, you’ll be treated to a truly lovely garden.

Google/Cathy Civy

A lot of time and love have gone into this historical landmark over the years and while it may not be a tourist attraction, it is a special place in the state of Kentucky.

The Grotto and the Garden of Our Lady of Lourdes is located between Bradley Avenue and Preston Street, adjacent to Presidents Boulevard in Louisville.

For another type of grotto, check out this beautiful hidden gem that’s only able to be reached by water.

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Address: Louisville, KY 40217, USA