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    The Grotto - National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother

    1,115 Reviews
    #8 of 461 things to do in Portland
    Sacred & Religious Sites, Forests, Sights & Landmarks, Nature & Parks, More
    Northeast Sandy Blvd. & 85th St., (GPS 8840 NE Skidmore), Portland, OR 97220
    +1 503-254-7371
    Website
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    Review Highlights
    “Every Catholic must”

    My mom loves churches, so I decided to take her here on her 1st Portland trip. The church itself is... read more

    Reviewed 4 days ago
    ana r
    ,
    San Francisco, California
    “Beautiful and peaceful”

    Whether or not you are religious, The Grotto is a beautiful place to visit. The view from the top... read more

    Reviewed 1 week ago
    AlisonPi
    ,
    San Mateo, California
    Read all 1,115 reviews
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    An internationally renowned Catholic sanctuary set among 62 acres of botanical gardens, offering a place of peace and quiet reflection for all people. More than 100 beautiful statues,reflection ponds, and views offer inspiration to all who visit.

    About The Grotto - National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother

    An internationally renowned Catholic sanctuary set among 62 acres of botanical gardens, offering a place of peace and quiet reflection for all people. More than 100 beautiful statues,reflection ponds, and views offer inspiration to all who visit.
    4.5
    1,115 reviews
    • Excellent71%
    • Very good22%
    • Average5%
    • Poor1%
    • Terrible1%
    Travellers talk about
    “the upper level” (94 reviews)
    “upper gardens” (54 reviews)
    “meditation chapel” (48 reviews)
    Open Now
    Hours
    Hours Today: 9:00 AM - 6:30 PM
    LOCATION
    Northeast Sandy Blvd. & 85th St., (GPS 8840 NE Skidmore), Portland, OR 97220
    CONTACT
    Website
    +1 503-254-7371
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    Write a ReviewReviews (1,115)
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    All reviews
    "the upper level"
    in 94 reviews
    "upper gardens"
    in 54 reviews
    "meditation chapel"
    in 48 reviews
    "festival of lights"
    in 43 reviews
    "meditation room"
    in 41 reviews
    "gift shop"
    in 93 reviews
    "spiritual place"
    in 16 reviews
    "sandy blvd"
    in 13 reviews
    "religious statues"
    in 13 reviews
    "lower area"
    in 12 reviews
    "non catholics"
    in 12 reviews
    "light a candle"
    in 11 reviews
    "elevator ride"
    in 14 reviews
    "petting zoo"
    in 24 reviews
    "christmas season"
    in 21 reviews
    "quiet reflection"
    in 11 reviews
    "small fee"
    in 15 reviews
    Filter

    1 - 10 of 1,094 reviews

    Reviewed 4 days ago
    Every Catholic must

    My mom loves churches, so I decided to take her here on her 1st Portland trip. The church itself is beautiful

    Ask ana r about The Grotto - National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother
    Thank ana r
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    Reviewed 1 week ago
    Beautiful and peaceful

    Whether or not you are religious, The Grotto is a beautiful place to visit. The view from the top of the Grotto is picturesque and so peaceful. All of the art is amazing.

    Ask AlisonPi about The Grotto - National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother
    1  Thank AlisonPi
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    Reviewed 1 week ago
    Beautiful Site Dedicated to the Power of Belief/Myth

    Whatever one's religious belief or non-belief, the Grotto is a lovely site to visit. Take the elevator to the upper level and walk beautiful paths which feature sculptures and shrines dedicated to various Christian saints. The old growth trees are amazing and the piety of...More

    Ask StanduMan about The Grotto - National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother
    1  Thank StanduMan
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
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    Reviewed 2 weeks ago
    Great Family Church and walking grounds

    Go there every Sunday or visit any time to see the beautiful scenery! Take the elevator up to walk the grounds!

    Ask cayliejdesign about The Grotto - National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother
    1  Thank cayliejdesign
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    Reviewed 2 weeks ago via mobile
    Many Statues where you can pray!

    So many place for prayer. The Vistor Center and Gift Shop are a must, you can buy candles for 7.00. Sure beauty in the area it takes more than 1 hour to see. Inside the church is the best to pray due to weather on...More

    Ask Ann M about The Grotto - National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother
    2  Thank Ann M
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    Reviewed 2 weeks ago
    Mystical and inspiring site

    Have visitied here several times and enjoyed the Christmas holidays and concerts in this inspirational environment.

    Ask hpglobetrotter about The Grotto - National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother
    Thank hpglobetrotter
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    Reviewed 2 weeks ago via mobile
    Stunning

    Although I’m not Catholic I wanted to check this stop out. I’m so glad I did, it’s stunning. The massive forest combined with the rocks in mountains and the statues...I was awestruck. There is a ten minute video in the gift shop that explains the...More

    Ask peacemamasunshine about The Grotto - National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother
    Thank peacemamasunshine
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    Reviewed 3 weeks ago via mobile
    Christmas Visit

    My favorite part about Christmas is seeing the different light displays. After moving out to Portland, I naturally I had to explore the lights! I came across the grotto and decided to take a solo trip to go explore. It was totally worth it! The...More

    Ask Germerica11 about The Grotto - National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother
    1  Thank Germerica11
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    Reviewed 3 weeks ago
    Calming

    Beautiful scenery and peaceful. There is a chapel, stations of the cross outside, and a gift shop. There are so many trees covered in green moss that it looks enchanted.

    Ask ericabM3358GR about The Grotto - National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother
    Thank ericabM3358GR
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    Reviewed 3 weeks ago via mobile
    Holy Week

    This is a very solemn place of prayer and worship.. We love to go to this place every year during this Lent.. A lot of people and believers are coming over from different part of the world. Not just from North America but all over...More

    Ask nyliramzurc about The Grotto - National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother
    Thank nyliramzurc
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    123456…110
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    Ask a question
    Questions & Answers
    See all 9 questions
    Tabby E
    12 October 2017|
    AnswerShow all 15 answers
    Response from John M | Reviewed this property |
    We went in December in the rain to see the lights and it was great! Umbrella works just fine and was not very crowded.
    1
    Vote
    narkfaith
    2 July 2017|
    AnswerShow all 7 answers
    Response from RichardSTigard | Reviewed this property |
    While dogs are not allowed on the upper level, they are allowed outdoors on the first level, both in the plaza and in the botanical garden. The Grotto holds special events throughout the year, including a Blessing of the... More
    1
    Vote
    Linda M
    18 May 2017|
    AnswerShow all 3 answers
    Response from Tabinosorakara | Reviewed this property |
    $5 if you want to go up to the garden.
    0
    Votes
    123