Sharon Sparlin: THE GROTTO

Host to more than 300,000 visitors a year, the National Sanctuary of our Sorrowful Mother, more popularly known as The Grotto, is a multi-level Catholic outdoor shrine and sanctuary with the main entrance located at NE 85th Avenue and Sandy Boulevard in Portland, Oregon. Parking and admission to the lower level is free to the public.

Free parking

Constructed in 1924, the sanctuary covers 62 acres and displays more than 100 statues as well as reflection ponds, prayer labyrinth, meditation chapel and inspirational views.

There are two levels once inside the Grotto. The lower level includes an imposing cave carved out of the 110-foot basalt cliff and serves as an outdoor cathedral and wedding venue.

Outdoor Cathedral

The marble statue in the center of the cave is a replica of Michelangelo’s depiction of Mary cradling Jesus’ crucified body, and is surrounded by flowers and candles.

Michelangelo's "Mary cradling Jesus' crucified body" housed at the Vatican.

The lower level also houses a visitor complex, an art gallery displaying historical nativity scenes, a gift shop and the Chapel of Mary, where mass is held every Sunday.

Chapel of Mary

Inside Chapel of Mary

From May through October, mass is also held outdoors in the Grotto Plaza — an expansive, pew-lined square facing the Grotto Cave.

Grotto Plaza

A tranquil trail is lined with towering moss laden trees, Along the walk, elaborately carved sculptures illustrate the 14 Stations of the Cross.

There are several thousand feet of trails throughout the 62 acre complex. The Smithsonian Institution has 23 statues and memorials registered at The Grotto. The day of my visit there was a wedding in progress. Beautiful setting.

For a $7 admission fee, you can ride the elevator built against the cliff’s craggy rock face to reach the Grotto’s botanical gardens and meditation chapel. On this level you are greeted by a lush oasis of groomed rhododendron gardens and dense foliage. Perched atop the cliff is the impressive Marilyn Moyer Meditation Chapel — a modernist granite and glass structure that has won numerous national and international architecture awards since its construction in 1991. The chapel’s north wall is made entirely of glass, providing a striking view of the Cascade Mountain Range and Columbia River Valley.

View of Meditation Chapel from below


Entrance to the Meditation Chapel

The upper level also includes the Peace Garden, featuring a trail that meanders through mossy fir trees and flowerbeds and circles a serene reflection pond.

Another path will lead to a labyrinth, a circle of crimson bricks surrounded by wooden benches. A peaceful prayer walk opportunity.

Prayer Labyrinth

In the late spring and early summer, the botanical gardens are in full bloom, overflowing with rhododendrons, daylilies, impatiens, roses and daisies.

Another peaceful path weaves through St. Joseph Grove’s towering trees to St. Anne’s Chapel, a small brick building built in 1934 that houses several pastel-colored paintings.