When you’re looking for a quiet, peaceful spot to enjoy the beauty of nature, consider a trip to the National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother (a.k.a. The Grotto). Whether you’re religious or not, this place is a beautiful spot to spend an afternoon.
The Grotto got its start back in 1923, when Father Ambrose Mayer saw a piece of property for sale that seemed interesting. Once a rock quarry, it was overgrown and wild, but it definitely had potential.
Theresa A/Tripadvisor In May, 1924, the Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother was dedicated and held its first mass.
The Grotto was dug out of the basalt cliff. Its soaring, 50-foot-high ceiling is truly impressive. The grotto is about 30 feet wide and 30 feet deep.
The Grotto
A replica of Michelangelo’s Pietà, a stone altar, and two other statues grace this beautiful grotto.
OhanaHawaii808/Tripadvisor
Make your way up to the upper level, where you’ll find the stunning Meditation Chapel.
gigglesunlmtd/Tripadvisor
The chapel features a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows, and some incredible views of the Columbia River and Mt. St. Helens.
Paulo K/Tripadvisor
You’ll find several shrines in the gardens here. The Dambana, Filipino Faith Shrine was built in 2008.
Rod Estrabo/Google Local
Our Lady of Lavang Shrine, which was completed in 2016, honors the Virgin Mary and the Vietnamese community…
Andrey N/Tripadvisor
…and the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas is the newest shrined, dedicated in December, 2016.
Andrey N/Tripadvisor
St. Anne’s Chapel is a charming little structure built back in the 1930s. Step inside to find several reproduction Madonna paintings.
Andrey N/Tripadvisor
Take a stroll through the Peace Garden, where you’ll find a pond, stream, and several pretty paths.
Andrey N/Tripadvisor
The labyrinth is a favorite of visitors to The Grotto. It’s a replica of the labyrinth at Chartres Cathedral in France. Enjoy following its path to the center, then back out again.
Magli G/Tripadvisor
Visit The Grotto seven days a week. It opens at 9 a.m., and closing hours depend on the time of year.
SoCalOregonian/Tripadvisor
If you’d like to learn more about The Grotto, visit its website and take a look at its Facebook page.
Theresa A/Tripadvisor
In May, 1924, the Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother was dedicated and held its first mass.
The Grotto
OhanaHawaii808/Tripadvisor
gigglesunlmtd/Tripadvisor
Paulo K/Tripadvisor
Rod Estrabo/Google Local
Andrey N/Tripadvisor
Magli G/Tripadvisor
SoCalOregonian/Tripadvisor
Looking for another peaceful spot in Portland? Head to this little park that offers great city views.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: The Grotto, 8840 NE Skidmore St, Portland, OR 97220, USA
