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.
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.
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.
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The grotto is located in Memorial Park Cemetery, easily accessible and wildly mind blowing.
Would you visit?
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