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    The Grotto - National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother

    1,136 Reviews
    #9 of 470 things to do in Portland
    Forests, Gardens, Sights & Landmarks, Nature & Parks, More
    Northeast Sandy Blvd. & 85th St., (GPS 8840 NE Skidmore), Portland, OR 97220
    +1 503-254-7371
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    Review Highlights
    “Go during Christmas”

    Beautifully decorated for Christmas. Get your warm jacket, boots, hat, and a hot cocoa and enjoy a... read more

    Reviewed 6 days ago
    scottandjan
    ,
    Destin, Florida
    “Peaceful, meaningful”

    This is a must see, even if you are not practicing Catholicism you can appreciate the sheer beauty... read more

    Reviewed 6 days ago
    janewilliamsis
    ,
    Portland, Oregon
    Read all 1,136 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
    1,136 reviews
    • Excellent71%
    • Very good22%
    • Average5%
    • Poor1%
    • Terrible1%
    Travellers talk about
    “the upper level” (98 reviews)
    “upper gardens” (54 reviews)
    “meditation chapel” (51 reviews)
    Closed Now
    Hours
    Hours Today: 9:00 AM - 8:30 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 (1,136)
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    All reviews
    "the upper level"
    in 98 reviews
    "upper gardens"
    in 54 reviews
    "meditation chapel"
    in 51 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
    "elevator ride"
    in 14 reviews
    "petting zoo"
    in 24 reviews
    "christmas season"
    in 21 reviews
    "small fee"
    in 15 reviews
    "visitor center"
    in 14 reviews
    "natural beauty"
    in 13 reviews
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    1 - 10 of 1,115 reviews

    Reviewed 6 days ago
    Go during Christmas

    Beautifully decorated for Christmas. Get your warm jacket, boots, hat, and a hot cocoa and enjoy a peaceful night out with your family

    Ask scottandjan about The Grotto - National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother
    Thank scottandjan
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    Reviewed 6 days ago
    Peaceful, meaningful

    This is a must see, even if you are not practicing Catholicism you can appreciate the sheer beauty of the site, and the grounds. We go every year at least once a season. Can't be missed at Christmas for the choirs, and the lights displays.

    Ask janewilliamsis about The Grotto - National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother
    1  Thank janewilliamsis
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    Reviewed 6 days ago
    Magnificent!!

    I can not believe that this beautiful place is in the heart of the city. The beauty is unreal. We went for a couple hours but could have spent the whole day. Make sure you watch the video at the visitors center so you get...More

    Ask JenJen1865 about The Grotto - National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother
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    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    See more reviews
    Reviewed 3 weeks ago
    Serene

    Portland abounds with wonderful areas for walking. The Grotto is high on our list. Green and serene.

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

    Very beautiful. Lower level is free. Upper level is well worth the price. My visit was towards the end of the day during the week so I did not experience the crowds some people have mentioned. I even ended up in the breathtaking Sanctuary alone....More

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

    We visited from Central Portland by train and bus quite easily. A little bit of a walk from the bus stop. We had been recommended to visit by a lady we met in the Japanese garden in Washington Park. The Grotto itself is free to...More

    Ask Cally Y about The Grotto - National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother
    1  Thank Cally Y
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    Reviewed 4 weeks ago
    Nice Calm Place to breath fresh air and pray in the Church

    Beautifully maintained place includes Gardens at lower level and upper level, and church in lower level. To visit upper level, you take an elevator and pay for visiting the upper level garden. Lower level is free. We enjoyed the lower level and church.

    Ask Ketan K about The Grotto - National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother
    Thank Ketan K
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    Reviewed 4 weeks ago
    Serenity

    What a beautiful grotto to the saints and circles in this secret garden. Quiet walking trails, old grain elevator tot take you up the hill for and overlook of the valley.

    Ask Catherine D about The Grotto - National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother
    Thank Catherine D
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    Reviewed 4 weeks ago
    Peaceful garden stroll

    I'm not very religious, but this was still a really lovely walk through a big hillside garden. Everything was very beautiful even though it was the end of winter and slightly raining. The Meditation Building is really gorgeous and shows a great view of Portland.

    Ask wherewithalicia about The Grotto - National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother
    Thank wherewithalicia
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    Reviewed 4 weeks ago
    Amazing!

    YOU MUST GO TO THE GROTTO! Whether you are religious or not, anyone, in my opinion, would be in awe of this point of interest, even if it's to attend service or to just stroll the grounds. It was spiritually uplifting, motivating, captivating, and humbling....More

    Ask Saffire7 about The Grotto - National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother
    1  Thank Saffire7
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
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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
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