Our Mother of Sorrows Grotto Historic District
Our Mother of Sorrows Grotto Historic District, Religious memorial grotto at Mount Mercy University in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
The district features a lagoon and five structures, including arched entryways, a bridge, and a ten-column monument representing the Ten Commandments.
William H. Lightner constructed this religious site between 1929 and 1941, incorporating 12 tons of stone and 300 types of Italian mosaic glass.
The grotto exemplifies the tradition of creating outdoor religious spaces for spiritual reflection, particularly common in the American Midwest during the early 20th century.
The site maintains regular visiting hours and serves as a location for both individual meditation and organized religious ceremonies at Mount Mercy University.
The restoration project received support from multiple national organizations, including the Smithsonian Institution and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Location: Iowa
GPS coordinates: 42.00278,-91.65333
Latest update: March 5, 2025 00:15
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