A mexican artist, Dionisio Rodriguez, was hired by the owners of Memorial Park Cemetery to beautify the place. So in 1938, the construction of the man-made cave “Crystal Shrine Grotto” started.
The grotto is a 60 ft deep cave, built with tons of quartz crystals, depicted the life and death of Jesus Christ.
The moment I entered the cave, I had goosebumps. There’s a tinge of holiness to it, specially when I saw the carvings on the wall of Jesus praying at the garden of gethsemane before his death. It was so beautifully done it felt like it was real.
Like I said, the place was built of crystals, from white to green and black. Amazing, considering that it was hand carved and all… From what I read, it took the artist and his men about 20 years to finish this cave.
My photos don’t do justice to the place. But I hope I get to share it with you through them:
Dionisio Rodriguez’ legacy lives on. – In 1991, the place was listed in the United States National Register of Historic Places.
Thanks to my sister inlaw , Jane and my brother inlaw Jon Boy, for taking us there! 🙂

My sister inlaw and brother inlaw. Taken at Abraham’s Oak, outside the crystal cave in Memphis, Tennessee.
Of course, any vacation won’t be complete without a pose right? hehe
Crystal Shrine Grotto is located at:
5668 Poplar Ave., Memphis, Tennessee
If you’re in Memphis, don’t forget to visit this place. It’s worth it and more! 🙂
Lea C. Walker
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