There's A Little Known Unique Grotto In Tennessee... And It's Truly Strange
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Meghan Kraft
Author
If you’re looking for a quirky Memphis tourist attraction, then, well, we’ve found it. This sure is quirky, a bit strange, and a man-made Tennessee treasure. It’s the Crystal Shrine Grotto, located on the bleeding edge of Memphis and giving you a break from Graceland and Beale Street.
Construction on the religious-bent grotto began in the 1930s by Dionicio Rodriguez and was finished in 1938.
The cave is entirely manmade, crafted by semi-precious stones and rock quartz.
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The whole of it depicts Bible scenes, the entirety of Jesus' life in particular. You'll find more abstract artwork as well as intricate dioramas.
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Rodriguez was a self-taught sculptor from Texas, who has made his indelible mark on Tennessee. You can tour the cave yourself, though photos can get a bit hard in the dark recesses of the cave.
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The intricacy of the whole thing is unbelievable!
The grotto is sixty feet deep, built into a hillside and burned in our minds forever. Such a strange, otherworldly place holds such an atmosphere of mystery.
There are FIVE TONS of quartz crystal in the cave, giving the grotto its name.
The grotto is located in Memorial Park Cemetery, easily accessible and wildly mind blowing.
Would you visit?
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