Yesterday, I was visiting "La gruta de Lourdes" in Gurabo with my great grandma and my cousin. The Gruta was built by an interesting dude (Alejandro Llenas) who fought in the Franco-Prussian war and also in Italy for the Vatican forces earning him some war medals, the pope at the time also blessed the Virgin of Lourdes that he was carrying all the way from France for his services in the war. Another pope later declared the place holy and granted permission for Alejandro Llenas and his descendants up to the 4th generation to be buried there. The guy was also a scientist, historian, explorer, etc.. There are a bunch of articles and books published by him.
Anyways, he returned to Gurabo and married my great grandma's grand aunt who is also buried there. It was truly a pleasant experience visiting the place with my great grandma who is 99. This is one of the beauties in DR often overlook by tourists and Dominicans alike. Here are some pictures: