The Grotto (Portland, Oregon)
| The National Sanctuary of our Sorrowful Mother | |
|---|---|
| The Grotto | |
The Grotto altar, featuring the Pietà | |
| Type | altar, garden, sanctuary |
| Location | 8840 NE Skidmore St Portland, Oregon, U.S. |
| Coordinates | 45°33′12″N 122°34′24″W / 45.5533°N 122.5734°W |
| Area | 62 acres (25 ha) |
| Created | 1924 |
| Founder | Ambrose Mayer |
| Operated by | Order of Friar Servants of Mary |
| Visitors | 300,000 (annually) |
| Designation | National Sanctuary |
| Religious Affiliation | Catholic (Friars of the Order of the Servants of Mary) |
The National Sanctuary of our Sorrowful Mother, popularly known as The Grotto, is a Catholic outdoor altar and sanctuary located in the Madison South district of Portland, Oregon, United States. Constructed in 1924, the sanctuary covers 62 acres (25 ha), set both at the foot of, and atop, a 110 foot (34 m) cliff. It is a ministry of the Servite Friars, Order of Friar Servants of Mary. A large meditation hall whose main chamber is at clifftop level extends down to the foot of the cliff; the cross on the hill is visible many miles away. In addition to a church, there are several thousand feet of trails, including a trail of the Stations of the Cross, along which visitors may pass in contemplation through botanical gardens. The Grotto also features a full-service Conference Center, and a Gift Shop.