We have been aiming to see the grotto at Christmas since we've been in Oregon but haven't gotten around to it. This was the year! We love and miss drive thru zoo lights (should have been kept after the pandemic!! It was awesome!) and we're looking for a good substitute. The grotto is gorgeous. Peaceful, serene, lovely. However, minus one star for almost 40 bucks for 2 people. It's not a big installation, not a lot to do, and while lovely that is quite a bit of money. What I don't know is where the proceeds go, and I'm sure it's publicly accessible and no I haven't looked. So if it goes to a great cause, great - advertise that more. But I think ten bucks, maybe - would be about a good amount for this experience. read more

Peace solace always! Love this place and best time to visit in Fall. Hopefully can visit during Christmas to see the lights read more

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The Grotto was one of our first stops when visiting Oregon, and it set such a beautiful tone for the rest of our trip. This sanctuary is truly a place of peace. I am Roman Catholic and felt deeply moved here, but what surprised me most was how much it touched my boyfriend, who is usually more skeptical--he described finding a sense of peace he couldn't quite put into words. There's so much to explore: a religious gift shop, a meditation room, peaceful gardens on two levels of the mountain, and both indoor and outdoor altars where you can even attend Mass. I especially loved discovering the hidden religious statues tucked away around the sanctuary--it felt like a spiritual treasure hunt. Whether you're visiting for faith, reflection, or simply to take in the serene beauty, The Grotto is an absolute must-see when in Portland. read more

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Built in the early 1900s, you either KNOW about The Grotto or you don't! It's just this unique sanctuary, built again a cliffside, in Portland, OR. If you've never been there, I know it sounds weird, but it is a truly beautiful and peaceful place to pray and enjoy nature. While it's Catholic based, anyone can go, explore and attend one if their many masses/celebrations. read more

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This review is based off our visit during the Christmas lights. It was beautiful! Lights everywhere. They had people singing and had mass with them performing. I got the very last of it. They had an area to buy donuts and hot coco. It was $3 a donut and $4.50 for the hot drink. There was a cute little gift shop at the end. We left with some rosary's. I cannot wait to see what this place looks like during the day! Tickets were about $17 online. As for parking, they guided us to the parking lot. read more

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Quite a scenic place and the natural features are pretty cool. Especially nice if you're catholic. read more

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My visit to The Grotto was a serene and literally a spiritual experience. The grounds are expansive and a delight to explore. Visiting at the church was comforting and heartfelt , I felt privileged to of signed the guest book .They have a beautiful outdoor shrine and is the perfect setting to light a candle for a loved one . Parking was convenient and complimentary. It's nestled within the tall trees and has gorgeous landscaping. I'm looking forward to a return visit during the holidays to see it fully lit up and in its full spiritual glory. read more

The Grotto - The outdoor shrine. - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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I didn't do the paid garden area, but seeing the grotto part was really beautiful. Parking on a Thursday was easy. read more

The Grotto - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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You feel at peace as soon as you step in! It's breathtaking You walk in and you just feel it! There is really no words to express this you have to come and experience it yourself! I was blessed enough to have gotten some necklace's from the gift show and had a priest Bless them read more

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My wife and I were visiting Portland for a long weekend and my sister took us to this hidden gem. It is a beautiful sanctuary and there is a great trail that takes you through the stations of the cross. It was a perfect day to look at all of the religious statues and it really is serene. Lots of families were there and they have a great chapel for worshipping if you wish. We didn't go up the cliff to see what was up there, but it was a great way to spend an hour. read more

The Grotto is such a peaceful place to visit. This was the first place my cousin and I visited when we arrived in Portland. It was a very cold day but the walk around the grotto made it worth it. They started to add the Christmas lights when we visited. The lower part of the Grotto is free. However, there is an admission fee to go to the upper garden. If you're debating if you should go, you must! Such a beautiful place. read more

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What a beautiful peaceful holy place must visit when you're in Portland if you're Catholic even better because it has more meaning

When you want to just get away from all the hustle and bustle of a city and find peace, solace place to meditate... the grotto was this enchanted and peaceful place you can come to pray, meditate, reflect and attend a mass. Love it here. You have to visit the upper garden even though it will cost but it's going to a good cause. I love the shrines area, please bring flowers for offering too as they will allow them. I had been wanting to visit this place since the first day I've visited Portland, now I'm glad I finally did because it won't be my last. read more

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What a fantastic time to see these lights and hear groups singing. I went, luckily, on a dry night and to celebrate the 100 years of the Grotto. The lower portion is a short walk through the grounds, and the upper portion wasn't open for the light event. The replica of the Pieta was adorned with lit candles and it was such a calming presence. There is a decent sized parking lot on site, but I opted to park along the road leading to the grounds since it was a busy night (both options are free). Small admission fee, on-site gift shop and they also host church service on the grounds. read more

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The Grotto is a place where I feel all religions are welcome and feel everyone, in general, should be welcomed here. It's primarily a place for Catholics and Christians, but the serenity of being here and the history of these sacred grounds in itself to me is worth a visit for everyone. You can think differently, but it's simply my own opinion regarding this place. I know everyone can get all sensitive about our differences now-a-days, but I feel I said what needed to be said. I've been here plenty of times to know that this is a sanctuary of peace, regardless of your religion. They're usually open everyday from 9am-6:30pm, but expect hours to be adjusted during the holidays. The Lower Grounds are free to stroll. Walk along the Stations of the Cross from the parking lot, or grab some hot chocolate at the gift shop. Plenty of greenery and seats around to sit and reflect. Or attend services at the chapel. During the summer, mass can be held outdoors in the grotto itself so check their website for times. Normally services would primarily be in the chapel. It all just depends on good 'ol Portland weather. The Upper Garden, however, is where the other half of the attractions are. With an admission fee for entry ($9.95 Adult / $8.95 Seniors / $4.95 Kids), you would take an elevator ride up to the top and start exploring from there. If you begin at the Meditation Chapel, you'll get a excellent view of Mt. St. Helens and PDX airport. Or simply stay quiet and pray. Follow the trail map and you'll get see tall redwoods, an array of statues, international shrines, various colorful plants, and a couple of ponds. So do wear some comfortable walking shoes. With this being one of them most sacred spots in Portland, people usually plan pilgrimages here. Some do short retreats, and some enjoy doing a quick field trip with out-of-town guests. You can easily spend about an hour or two here, or take your time and experience everything in about 2-3 hours. I've been here quite a few times, and have spent at least 90 minutes each time. If you plan to visit, I hope you feel just as refreshed as I do when being here. GBY! read more

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Since my last review someone who actually runs the joint listened.Gift Shop friendlier.Especially Jenna! Chris allegedley promoted ( NO not Chris Branch still incompetant at his job) This time when we our items we pre paid for were actually blesses by a Priest! 2 diffetent ones with a sticky note date & name of Priest. Would again like to encourage gift shop manager Nicole 2 b retrained.Heg ic u despise customer service perhaps find a new trade.Computers.Spring is hete! Cher up buttercups! read more

How does The Grotto not have more reviews? I'm a bit surprised, but then again, we found kind of found it by just driving by and curiously decided to poke around. And the Garden at the top, well worth the $10 admission fee. With open limited parking spots, the Grotto is a church first and an amazing garden hidden up on top of the cliff over looking the church. And the walk around the garden, spectacular. It's actually not something I can put into words, you'll really just need to go look. read more

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Love this place during the Christmas season The giant Christmas tree... All the lights along the pathways at night The performances from all around the Portland/ Vancouver choirs in the chapel are amazing It's a pretty cool place just for a short walk in the city rain or shine read more

Beautiful grounds and trees. Not huge, but worth the 10 bucks to roam for a bit as it's very peaceful. Definitely worth checking out, and only a couple of us there this morning (10am on a Thursday). read more

The Grotto - The Grotto - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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My husband and I decided to go to the upper level of The Grotto as he hasn't been up there. For $10 you take the elevator up and walk and tour the beautiful gardens and grounds. It was a cool December day and we ventured our way through the gorgeous trails, viewpoints, taking in the peace and beauty that The Grotto offers. As we were walking back to our car, it began to rain - divine timing!! It's hard to believe this beauty of nature is in the heart of NE Portland. read more

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Let me start by saying that I am not Catholic. But it has been my experience that you don't even have to necessarily be religious to connect with nature in this beautiful spot in the middle of the city! Rich with history and abundant flora, the Grotto is peaceful and beautiful! For the first time ever, I visited the upper garden with a friend that was in from out of town. As many times as I have been there, I am not sure why this was the first time to the top - but I am so glad we did! Acres of gorgeous trails and trees and flowers for days. The art is breathtaking, as well. I cannot wait to visit again next time I am in the area. Perhaps not your typical tourist destination, but if you are in Portland and you love nature (or God), don't hesitate! read more

A beautiful and contemplative experience. Lots of beautiful flowers and trees. A great time of year to visit in July. I would recommend the $11 admission to the top. There is beautiful rocks, and lots of religious art and figures to experience read more

Light a candle for your best friend when she passes away with another best friend. No images Private matter Trust me It's a very peaceful place read more

What a beautiful church the whole surrounding is like a fairytale I love the place I took a lot of pics I've been here once before but during summer time and I'd like to come back again in spring. read more

The Grotto is a 62-acre sanctuary in Portland, Oregon, founded in 1924 by Servite Fr. Ambrose Mayer. This cliffside Catholic sanctuary is renowned for its Pieta sculpture nestled in a grotto and its tranquil botanical gardens. Officially named the National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother, The Grotto is an outdoor altar and sanctuary located in Portland's Madison South district. The sanctuary, built in 1924, spans 62 acres, situated at both the base and the top of a 110-foot cliff. Religious grottoes, like this one, are often used as shrines to house statues of saints, particularly the Virgin Mary, in outdoor settings. Many Roman Catholics visit grottoes where significant apparitions, such as those witnessed by Bernadette Soubirous at Lourdes, are believed to have occurred. Numerous garden shrines are inspired by these holy sites. Visiting the lower level of The Grotto is free of charge, while admission to the Upper Gardens is available until 7:30 p.m. (though the time may vary). The Grotto is just 4 miles from Portland Airport (PDX), making it a convenient stop before your arrival or departure. Plan to spend about two hours exploring the sanctuary. There is also a small gift shop on the lower level for visitors. read more

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Wow, what a find!! I thought the Japanese Tea Garden was open everyday, but it is closed on Tuesdays (the day we planned to go). Needed another option and stumbled across this on Google Maps. So glad! This is a catholic garden that in meticulously maintained and absolutely gorgeous! I can't believe I had never heard of it. Such a peaceful experience and a great value. Only 15 mins from our hotel downtown. read more

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I visited The Grotto while vacationing in Portland, Oregon. It is a botanical garden, place of meditation, and relaxing the mind in the midst of God and nature. This is such a peaceful setting with two levels: free a lower level with trails, statues of religious figures and beautiful trees and native shrubs plus an upper level experience of mature evergreen acreage, shrines, statues, wood carvings, meditation chapel, trails, basalt stone structures as part of Rocky Butte (dormant volcano) and views of Mount St. Helens and the Columbia River on a clear day for a nominal fee. There are Masses delivered in St. Mary's chapel. There is an enormous space for outdoor activities with plenty of seating. There is a gift shop and an interpretation center, which provides information about the site and the Servite friars and their mission plus services from their religious community. If you are looking for a slow pace, relaxing place for prayer, meditation and immersion with nature the Grotto is a jewel within the city of Portland, Oregon. read more

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Beautiful space for meditation and prayer (if that is your practice). We went Boxing Day, and had we known about the lights, we might have timed our visit differently. Despite the cold weather, we managed to see most of the shrines, especially those to Mary from around the world. I highly recommend taking some time out of a busy season to reflect and simply be, there are few enough spaces provided for such moments in our secular and materialistic society. read more

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This site encourages you to connect to your religious side. While visiting Portland, The Grotto was our first stop. I enjoyed viewing the religious displays as well as walking in a nice park setting. read more

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Beautiful outdoor church with a history! Come with your friends and family. Check out their gardens and statues. We came at a time where the flowers were blooming. Church was in service indoor. Outdoor area was immense with carvings into the wall. A must see if you are in the area. They sell holy water, candles for prayers and much more! read more

The Grotto - Parking area - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Beautiful and Serene!! It's such a peaceful setting to walk around and enjoy. They do events and also have the Festival of Lights. I used to go here many years ago and surprised how busy it's gotten. read more

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Such a beautiful, breathtaking, and peaceful place!!! There's an overwhelming feeling of love, peace, and God's presence. As you approach The Grotto, there is a gift shop to the left. That's where you will purchase your coin for entrance. They sell candles there for you to light at the altar if you choose. Don't forget to stop by the meditation glass chapel. There you'll find an amazing view of Portland and Michel Angelo's replica of Pieta! read more

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What an amazingly beautiful and serene place. We arriving on a Saturday at 11am. Ample parking. We slowly strolled in. The moment you set foot on the grounds, you already want to slow down to enjoy the richness of the lush greenery as you walk forth. We opted for the lower area, the Grotto and the Chapel. There's no charge. The walk to the Grotto was magnificent. Enormously tall trees with very manicured smaller trees and bushes. There's a paved path that opens up to the amphitheater like area and the Grotto. It's amazing, it's beautiful, it's peaceful. We were lucky enough to be there when you had a Saturday mass. We were able to join the mass in the chapel. Such a blessing. What a wonderful afternoon spent. read more

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I visited on a weekday and found it to be quite peaceful and uncrowded. While entrance to the place is complimentary, a ticket is needed to access the gardens located atop the hill. The lower areas, however, boast stunning sights without any cost. The church stands out as a beautiful attraction... read more

The Grotto is a beautiful sanctuary owned by the Catholic Church, but open to everyone. It is an oasis of lush gardens, walking trails, a beautiful glass-walled chapel with a view overlooking the mountains, trees, and vistas. They hold a Saint Peregrine Mass, as St. Peregrine is the Patron Saint of cancer and life-threatening illnesses, and people often go to these masses that are looking for solace, peace, spiritual healing, and support. We first heard of it from my uncle who was battling cancer. When visiting relatives from out of state, we came here to look around. We came in December, so it was cold. At night they have a Festival of Lights, but the group I was with were all too cold to want to stay at night. In December, they also had a life-sized nativity scene outside, in front of the rocks. It just all gives a sense of beauty and peace, and is a great place to go if you are needing some introspection. There was even a proposal happening, with flower petals strewn into the shape of a large heart while we were there, as the ambience is so serene. It is a great place to go to, to enjoy the beauty of nature, have a peaceful walk, need some introspection, or if battling an illness and want to attend the masses to feel some uplifting support. People travel from far distances to visit the Grotto. It gives you a sense of peace, serenity, and nature. read more

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It's serene and beautiful. A great family friendly visit. The tickets were a little confusing and if you want to have a candle to lit purchase before going to thr upper levels. All the statues are so beautiful and going the meditation maze walk was just so soothing. read more

The Grotto - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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This is a very beautiful place to stop at. Even if you're not religious person, you can park in their parking lot (free) and take a short walk in the gardens. The place is well-maintained and filled with tall trees. Paths are clear and paved. read more

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This place is truly a unique experience in the Portland area! Something I knew I had to do when we travelled to Portland. When we arrived (around 9-10am on a weekday) it was quite empty, we went into the shop and bought two tickets. This was also my first time speaking to nuns- they were so sweet giving us recommendations of what else to do. I do wish the entrance fee was a bit cheaper but when we got the tickets they give you coins which you enter into the top area to get the entrance to the rest of the grotto. The bottom section is free so you can visit the cave/statue/mass area for free. When you get to the top there is some small trails and 1 meditation center which has some amazing views of Portland! The Meditation center, gift shop, and there is one other small building downstairs that are the only indoor spots of the whole area so be prepare to be in the elements. Highly recommend for anymore who is looking for a unique experience in the Portland area! read more

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One hundred years ago a grotto was created into this incredible rock face where soon later was installed a beautiful reproduction of Michaelangelo's Pieta. This beautiful work of man's craftsmanship stands today amidst an inner-city secluded area inspiring meditation and solemnity inspiring self-contemplation and thoughtful introspection in nature's beauty within a 62-acre ecological enclave. One can leisurely, yet wondrously meander the walk paths of this remarkable garden/park to quietly ponder, picnic or serenely contemplate the open seclusion of nature's marvelous wonder. When visiting Portland, this is a must visit - enjoy a couple of hours of tranquility. It is truly a gem and isolated treasure within the bustle of the city. read more

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This place is in an odd location that caused us to drive by it and have no idea how truly lovely it is in there, or his big the place is. It's located off a seedy strip of Sandy Blvd. and while we saw the sign on occasion when passing through en route from one side of PDX to the other, we never gave it much thought. So when a friend recommended we visit we were quite surprised. We aren't religious people but it's still with a visit to enjoy the beauty and quiet serenity of the grounds. The parking and lower level gardens are free. There are numerous signs in the parking lot warning you to not leave valuables in your car, which should be in any parking lot, but particularly here given the street the lot is located off of. Once inside, I recommend paying the nominal fee (I think it's now $8 or $9 a person) to take the elevator to the upper level as the view and gardens there are worth it. There is also a quiet meditation room at the top with lounge chairs and a nice view of the surrounding area. There's also a gift shop, restrooms and I THINK they might have a little coffee shop, but I'm not sure if that part is open. read more

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