Located in the Saint Joseph neighborhood lies a garden that many living in Louisville aren’t even aware exists. Originally built in 1927, the Grotto and Garden was once home to the Saint Joseph Infirmary, for which the neighborhood was named. The infirmary has long since been destroyed, which ultimately led to the construction of the Norton Audubon Hospital on Poplar Level Road. Today, the University Park Apartments stands in its place, but thanks to a revitalization project put together by the Saint Joseph’s Area Association, the beautiful Grotto and Garden remains after nearly a century.

The Grotto and Garden is tucked within the University Park Apartments on Eastern Parkway.
Yelp / Kathy V.
The Grotto and Garden was originally built in 1927 as a place where people could come for prayer, meditation, and solitude, and that purpose is still being served to this day.
The Saint Joseph Area Association began the revitalization in 2000.
Yelp / Kathy V.
The Association brought together residents of the neighborhood to help restore the old shrine and garden.
The team called themselves the "Grotto Grannies and Grandpas," and put hard work into cleaning up the aging landscape.
St. Joseph's Area Association
In 2001, the project was completed and the site was declared a National Landmark.
Yelp / Kathy V.
Now, 16 years after its restoration, the Grotto and Garden of Our Lady of Lourdes looks as beautiful as ever.
Saint Joseph Neighborhood/Facebook

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Murals are painted on the brick walls line the garden.
Yelp / Brad G.
Viewing the art and flowers growing in the garden is perfect for a long, contemplative walk.
This interesting sundial sits at the entrance.
Yelp / Kathy V.
Although the date of the sundial's creation is unknown, the line "Grow old along with me, the best is yet to be" is from a Robert Browning poem written in 1864, which later inspired a John Lennon song.
Yelp / Kathy V.
Metal plaques and beautifully painted stones have been placed in the garden in loving memory of those related to the Saint Joseph's Association.
In the back, you can view the beautiful stone grotto.
Yelp / Brad G.
This grotto was built to resemble a natural grotto in southern France where Bernadette Soubirous is said to have seen apparitions of Virgin Mary in 1858. Here, Bernadette's experience is depicted in the shrine, as she gazes up at Virgin Mary in the grotto.
Yelp / Brad G.
The Grotto is a very unique structure in Louisville, and in preserving structures such as this one, we can continue to preserve the fascinating history of our city.

Eastern Parkway is a busy road in Louisville, but many who pass by the location daily are unaware of the beautiful hidden garden. Taking a stroll through the property is a quiet oasis from the loud traffic just steps away.

Have you ever visited the Grotto and Garden of Our Lady of Lourdes? Let us know in the comments, and share this piece of Louisville history with anyone who would also find it interesting. Thanks for reading, and be sure to check out this article about other historic landmarks across the state too.

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