A few kilometres from Maastricht lies Bemelen, which belongs to the Limburg municipality of Eijsden-Margraten. The Mariagrot is located on Bosweg, just outside the village, on the west side of the Mettenberg, at the end of the Plateau van Margraten.
The Grotto of Our Lady is located behind the former monastery, which is now an apartment building. The priests of this monastery with its large seminary constructed the grotto in the 1930s. The entire site was owned by the “Sons of Mary, Mother of Priests” of the Society of African Missions. The members of this organisation live an apostolic life; they are bound by celibacy but do not take evangelic vows.
The Maria Grotto was created in the Bemelerbos forest in a former marl quarry and has a high wall. The grotto is made of limestone and is surrounded by many trees.
In the grotto, an image of Mary has been placed at a height of about 4 metres. A niche has also been made for lighting brought candles.
The Maria Grotto is part of walking routes in the hilly landscape of Limburg.
In 2006, the cave was renovated by volunteers.
The Mary grotto is accessible daily.
Nederlands 
English (UK) 
Deutsch 
Français