On the way to Utah I was researching interesting stops and places. The Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption popped on the map and photos of it looked interesting for 20-30 min stop. We definitely did not expect to see this enormous structure of nine grottos- as they claim “largest man-made grotto in the world”. As story goes- Father Paul Dobberstein (1812-1954) started construction of the Grotto in 1912 as the pledge to God for his recovery from illness. He labored for 42 years all years round setting ornamental rocks and gems into concrete. Grotto contains the largest accumulation ( I cannot call this collection) of precious stones, gems, walls of petrified wood, stalactite and stalagmite, malachite, jasper, quartz crystals and much more. I was anxious to realize that in order to build this “Eighth Wonder of the World” numerous nature wonders were ruined and stripped of their treasures. As I was told building of grotto started at the time when such places as Carlsbad Cave NP, Petrified Forest NP and other places were privately owned and owners would gladly allow taking whatever Father Dobberstein wanted and as much as he wanted for building Glory to God. It was amazing and sad place for me but definitely worth seeing it.
