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Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption: A Stone Tapestry of Faith

Discover the world's largest grotto in West Bend, Iowa: a breathtaking shrine of faith, art, and geological wonder, open 24/7.

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The Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption in West Bend, Iowa, is the world's largest man-made grotto, a collection of nine intricate grottos depicting scenes from the life of Christ. Built with precious stones and minerals, it stands as a testament to faith and artistic vision.

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Local tips

  • The Grotto is open 24/7, allowing for visits at any time of day or night.
  • Guided tours are available seasonally, typically from April through October.
  • Donations are appreciated to help maintain the Grotto.
  • Visit the museum to see a collection of precious stones and learn about the grotto's construction.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption is located in West Bend, Iowa. From the town center, head northwest on Iowa Highway 15 (1st Avenue NW). The Grotto will be on your left, a prominent structure covering an entire city block. Parking is available on-site. There are no tolls or mandatory parking fees.

  • Walking

    If you are already in West Bend, the Grotto is easily accessible on foot. From most points in the town center, head towards 1st Avenue NW. The Grotto is a short walk from Broadway Avenue, the main street in West Bend. There are no costs associated with walking to the Grotto.

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The Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption, often dubbed the "Eighth Wonder of the World", is a breathtaking religious shrine located in the heart of rural Iowa. This awe-inspiring creation is the world's largest man-made grotto, a sprawling complex of nine distinct grottos meticulously constructed from a vast and vibrant collection of precious and semi-precious stones, minerals, fossils, and petrified wood. The grotto's origin story is rooted in the personal vow of Father Paul Matthias Dobberstein, a German immigrant who, while studying at a seminary, fell gravely ill with pneumonia. He prayed to the Virgin Mary, promising to build a shrine in her honor if he recovered. Upon his recovery and subsequent ordination, Father Dobberstein was assigned to West Bend, Iowa, and began collecting materials for his ambitious project. Construction began in 1912 and continued for over four decades, with Father Dobberstein personally overseeing every detail. He used his knowledge gained from building a smaller grotto during his seminary training, setting the stones and gems into concrete to create elaborate scenes from the life of Christ, from the Garden of Eden to the Resurrection. The result is a stunning visual narrative, a "miracle in stone" that attracts over 100,000 visitors each year. Each of the nine grottos presents a unique scene. The Grotto of Bethlehem, for example, uses 65 tons of petrified wood to depict Jesus' birth. The Grotto of Nazareth, symbolizing the purity of the Holy Family, is constructed almost entirely of white quartz. The Trinity Grotto, the first one built, features a statue of the Virgin Mary holding the baby Jesus. Beyond the grottos themselves, numerous statues, often crafted from white Carrara Italian marble, depict key religious figures and moments. The Grotto is open 24/7 and relies on donations to continue Father Dobberstein's mission. Visitors can explore the grounds, take guided tours, and visit the museum, which houses a collection of precious stones and artifacts related to the grotto's construction.

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