“62-acre beautiful botanical garden”
This beautiful 62-acre Catholic shrine and botanical garden is located in Portland, Oregon. “The Grotto” is the popular name of The National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother. It is a non-profit organization supported solely by the proceeds of its gift shop and by donations. It is administered by the Order of Friars Servants of Mary, USA Province. The Grotto strives to provide a welcoming presence and a beautiful environment conducive to peace, quiet, and spiritual inspiration. The Grotto offers understanding, compassion, support and hope through a variety of ministries including counseling, education, spiritual direction and liturgical celebrations. The Grotto endeavors to serve all people. With its fir trees, colorful rhododendrons and other native plants, The Grotto is an inviting destination for all. An internationally-renowned Catholic shrine and botanical garden, The Grotto provides a spiritual and peaceful retreat for more than 200,000 visitors each year from all faiths and all walks of life. Visitors are delighted to discover this 62-acre green space just minutes from downtown Portland. The heart of the shrine is Our Lady’s Grotto, a rock cave carved into the base of a 110-foot cliff. A life-size marble replica of Michelangelo’s Pietà is featured in its center. The Grotto’s Chapel of Mary, Gift Shop, Conference Center and Visitor Complex are located on the plaza level with Our Lady’s Grotto. On The Grotto’s upper level, visitors are delighted to discover the manicured gardens, religious artwork, and beautiful panoramic views of the Columbia River Valley, the Cascades and Mt. St. Helens. Also on the upper level are the cliff side Meditation Chapel and the Servite Monastery. In addition to its beautiful gardens, The Grotto offers comfort, support, and healing through The Grotto Counseling Center and The Grotto Spirituality Program.
My friend and I stopped at The Grotto to stretch our legs and look around while on our first roadtrip. It was a perfect spot for quiet reflection after hours of driving. The gardens were lovely and there was a sense of peace that pervaded the entire place. We ended up paying the fee to go up to the top of the cliffs, and it was entirely worth it. We hadn't planned on being there as long as we did, but neither of us were concerned. It is a place to re-charge and reflect, and whether you are religious or not, it is worth a stop.
A natural gallery in the woods, The Grotto is an internationally renowned Catholic sanctuary set among 62 acres of botanical gardens offering a place of peace and quiet reflection for all people. More than 100 beautifully sculpted statues, reflection ponds, spectacular views of the Cascade Mountains and award-winning architecture offer inspiration for all who visit. Gardens and gift shop are open daily.
Worth stopping to smell the flowers.
On my trip, I had a peaceful little stroll through this Jesus laden park.
One of the best sites I've been to in Portland and I'm not religious at all. Spectacular nature, such a good palate cleanser from the city
The Grotto at Christmas time is hard to beat! Beautiful by candlelight with angelic voices singing, as you walk through these gardens, it’s truly a peaceful experience.
Peaceful Quiet Gardens
Celebrating Mass outside at the Grotto in the summer is amazing.
Amazing and tranquil. Must see!
Well worth the short stop!
Beautiful place!
There's an informational video on the history of Grotto in the information center... which was very interesting.
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The Grotto
Hours
- Sun - Sat: 9:00 am - 8:30 pm
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