8 Fascinating Facts About Rocamadour – The Cliffside Village That Defies Gravity

4. The Pilgrim Path

Rocamadour has been a key stop on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela since the 12th century. Pilgrims traveled here to visit the Shrine of the Black Madonna, seeking blessings, healing, or forgiveness.

The path through the village leads from the lower town up to the sanctuary via the Grand Escalier, the famous staircase with 216 steps. Many pilgrims climbed these steps on their knees as an act of devotion. The tradition of pilgrimage continues today, with modern visitors retracing these historic routes.