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The Grotto - National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother

Northeast 85th Avenue, Portland, OR 97220
503 254 7371
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Ranked #14 of 281 attractions in Portland
Type: Forests, Gardens, Religious Sites
Owner description: An internationally renowned Catholic sanctuary set among 62 acres of botanical gardens, offering a place of peace &quiet reflection for all people.... more » Owner description: An internationally renowned Catholic sanctuary set among 62 acres of botanical gardens, offering a place of peace &quiet reflection for all people. More than 100 beautiful statues,reflection ponds, and views offer inspiration to all who visit. « less
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213 reviews from our community

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Portland, Oregon
Top Contributor
51 reviews 51 reviews
19 attraction reviews
Reviews in 19 cities Reviews in 19 cities
33 helpful votes 33 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 May 2013 NEW

I went to the Grotto in December to see the myriad of colored lights, listen to music and drink hot chocolate while my nose froze off due to the cold. It was beautiful and worth it. But it's also a lovely place to visit anytime of year. The gardens, trees and paths all over the Grotto make for an inspirational... More

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See 21 more reviews by ArizonaJGF for Portland
Tacoma, Washington
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
15 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 May 2013 NEW

Even if you are not religious this place is pretty cool. More like peaceful and serene actually. It's definitely worth an hour of your time, but it's not an all day affair. It's also easy to get to because it's in the middle of town.

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Houston
Senior Contributor
34 reviews 34 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
35 helpful votes 35 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 May 2013 NEW

Nothing to dislike here if you are here for religious reasons. The Grotto reminds me of Yosemite National park in some ways, tall trees, forest. This is a very tranquil place, one of serenity. We were here on May-04-2013 to celebrate St. Peregrine feast day and since it coincides with the first Saturday of the month this year, it was... More

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Rockwood, Oregon, United States
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 May 2013

Even if you are not Catholic, The Grotto offers peace and quiet that all can enjoy. Take a ride up the elevator to see the peaceful gardens. It will not disappoint. Also, Chistmas at The Grotto is a light and music festival that is wonderful. A holiday must!

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See 5 more reviews by Allan C for Portland
Boston, MA
Senior Contributor
44 reviews 44 reviews
15 attraction reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 May 2013

The Grotto is a bit outside the city but is very cool if you can get there. Plan to spend 1-2 hours. There is a large gift shop with fresh baked snacks. This is where you can buy a token for the elevator to get to the upper level. I hate elevators but that is the only way up and... More

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See 9 more reviews by LumaLisa33 for Portland
Fullerton, California
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 May 2013 via mobile

My family visited the Grotto during our summer trip to Oregon. We only had couple of days in Portland so we really had to pick and choose which attractions to visit. I chose this one based on Tripadvisot reviews and we are so glad we paid a visit! It was a short drive from our downtown Portland hotel but as... More

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Madras, Oregon
Top Contributor
58 reviews 58 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 40 cities Reviews in 40 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 April 2013

We actually went to midnight mass on Christmas eve, a day before my wife went into labor. (2011) Church was full, but they saw my wife's big belly and ordered us to the front bench where we choked at the smoke the priest scattered. experience was delightful nevertheless.

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See 7 more reviews by molopomaniac for Portland
Portland, Oregon
Senior Contributor
27 reviews 27 reviews
15 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 April 2013

Everytime I visit the Grotto I come away feeling grounded and ready to face life. I go every year at Christmas for the lights and music. I also go during the year a couple times to walk the grounds and enjoy the peace. Don't forget to take the elevator to the top because the upper gardens are even better than... More

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See 2 more reviews by Wronda for Portland
ny
Top Contributor
89 reviews 89 reviews
29 attraction reviews
Reviews in 26 cities Reviews in 26 cities
24 helpful votes 24 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 April 2013

The grotto is a combination of worship area, walk in the woods with gardens, and labyrinth for meditation. Wear comfortable shoes as many paths are imbedded with river stones. Be sure to take the elevator up to the walkways and view. Loved the sequoia growing there. Also attended a wedding in the chapel. A lovely spot all in all.

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See 7 more reviews by dancer735 for Portland
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
10 attraction reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 April 2013 via mobile

I visited the Grotto in late fall. This place is an amazing natural area with trails stretching all over the hillside. The Grotto itself was beautiful! Very peaceful, evening walk.

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