Banneux

Banneux is a small village located in the Walloon region of Belgium, specifically within the province of Liège. It is situated in the Ardennes, a region known for its rolling hills and forests. The village is primarily known for its religious significance as the site of the Shrine of Our Lady of Banneux, also known as the Virgin of the Poor.

The shrine commemorates the apparitions of the Virgin Mary reported by a young girl named Mariette Beco in 1933. According to Beco's account, the Virgin Mary appeared to her eight times between January 15 and March 2, 1933, identifying herself as the "Virgin of the Poor" and asking for prayers and for a chapel to be built. The site has since become a major pilgrimage destination for Catholics from Belgium and beyond.

The shrine complex includes a basilica, several chapels, a holy water spring, and a vast park where pilgrims can gather. The spring is believed by some to have healing properties. Banneux receives a large number of visitors annually, particularly during the Marian months of May and October, and for special feast days. The village itself is quiet and rural, with its economy largely influenced by the presence of the shrine and the associated tourism. Despite its small size, Banneux holds significant religious importance for many.