The Grotto
The Grotto also known as the National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother is a place of solitude, peace and prayer. The heart of the shrine is Our Lady’s Grotto, a rock cave carved into the base of a 110-foot cliff. A life-size marble replica of Michelangelo’s Pietà is featured in its center.
Take a elevator ride 110 feet above the Grotto and you’ll find beautiful gardens, panoramic views of Columbia River Valley, the Cascades and Mt. St. Helens. Also on the upper level are the cliff side Meditation Chapel and the Servite Monastery. There are also several shrines including Our Lady of Czestochowa Polish Shrine. The Peace Garden also features a large pond and flowing stream.
The most thrilling experience was seeing the Meditation Chapel built of granite with glass walls. As you approach it looks as though you’ll walk on air.
You get a panoramic view of the area, can sit and relax and watch the eagles soar overhead. How peaceful. The perfect ending to a perfect afternoon.
gail ann photography 