This is an old town whose name comes from the word 'gardas,' meaning a fortified area or even a castle or fortress. It is mentioned in historical sources in 1561 when its lands were measured by surveyors, and in 1562 as a vaitystė (administrative center) from which the royal manor land was managed – from Laukstėnai to Juodžiai, Vanagiai villages. Since the 18th century, Gardamas has been called a town. The town is notable not only for its beautiful surroundings and picturesque Tenenio slopes but also for the 'Mažvydas Road' and Lourdes.

It is believed that the first Gardamas church was built in the 17th century, but it was destroyed by a fire. A new wooden church was built in the same place in 1706. After the wars with the Germans, Gardamas gradually grew, opening trade routes through Samogitian land. As Žemaičių Naumiestis began to grow, the role of the Gardamas settlement diminished. After 1795, when Lithuania became part of the Russian Empire, the situation of the residents of Gardamas, called state peasants, worsened due to military conscription duties and higher taxes. During the Russian Empire, Gardamas and the surrounding villages became the border of the empire. During the years of press censorship, the border was especially guarded, and border guard barracks were located along the road Naumiestis–Gardamas–Švėkšna, which itself was considered the second line of defense. At the end of the 19th century, Gardamas was one of the centers of the book smuggling movement, distributing prohibited Lithuanian press.

The current St. Roch's Church was built in 1932. On the side of St. Roch's Church, on the slope, a miraculous Lourdes was built in the early 20th century. The niche is made of field stones and is about 1.8 meters high. People tell various stories about the appearance of Lourdes. Some say that Mary appeared in that place, others say that a child was healed for a man who did not believe in God. Grateful, the man erected Lourdes. In front of Lourdes, there is an ever-flowing and never-drying well. To the right of Lourdes, there are stone steps leading up to the church. There are 14 steps, exactly the same number as the stations of Christ's Passion. Older people say that whoever climbs these steps is 'going through the stations.'

Beautiful is our Lourdes! It is a place where flowers always bloom, and candles burn. It is a place where people quietly express their sorrows and joys. It is a place whose water gives hope and refreshment.