There’s no shortage of spectacular sites in Mississippi, and we’ve got a new one for you to add to your bucket list – the grotto at St. Augustine’s Seminary. Yes, you read that correctly. There’s a grotto here in the Magnolia State. As enchanting as you’d imagine, the grotto is like something straight from a fairy tale. Take a look:

St. Augustine’s Seminary can be found in Bay St. Louis.

Saint Augustine Seminary/Facebook

The seminary was founded in Greenville in 1920. But in an effort to avoid harassment by the KKK, moved to Bay St. Louis in 1923.

Saint Augustine Seminary/Facebook Establishing the seminary was no easy task. It took years of negotiations and planning.

Pretty significant, it was the first Roman Catholic Seminary in the U.S. to train and ordain African-American men.

National Black Catholic Seminarians Association, USA/Facebook

Its historical importance is just one fascinating feature of the seminary, though. The beautiful grotto located on its grounds is definitely another.

Ryan Shows/Facebook

Built in 1938, it’s officially named the Lourdes Grotto, and it depicts the miraculous vision seen by Bernadette, a young girl who lived in Lourdes, France.

Ryan Shows/Facebook

According to historic records, the Blessed Mother Mary appeared to Bernadette in 1858, near the Gave River in Lourdes.

Ryan Shows/Facebook

Whatever the reason for its construction, there’s no denying that it’s an enchanting site.

Ryan Shows/Facebook

Today, the Lourdes Grotto is open daily, from 9.m. – 5 p.m., by appointment only. Though free to visit, donations are accepted. For more information, call (228) 467-6414. You can also visit the St. Augustine’s Seminary website or Facebook page.

Saint Augustine Seminary/Facebook

Establishing the seminary was no easy task. It took years of negotiations and planning.

National Black Catholic Seminarians Association, USA/Facebook

Ryan Shows/Facebook

So, did you know about the grotto at St. Augustine’s Seminary? Ever visited? If so, what’d you think? Tell us in the comments section.

This isn’t the only stunning site hiding in Mississippi. Read about another here.

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Address: 199 Seminary Dr, Bay St Louis, MS 39520, USA