Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption: West Bend, Iowa - 4K Stockvideo

This clip features the Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption in the small town of West Bend, Iowa. The religious shrine consists of nine individual grottos depicting scenes in the life of Jesus. The site is free to members of the public. It contains a large collection of minerals and petrifications and is believed to be the largest grotto in the world. Father Paul Dobberstein was a German immigrant ordained in 1897. He became critically ill with pneumonia and promised to build a shrine to the Virgin Mary if she came to his aid. After his recovery, he began stockpiling rocks and precious stones. Construction of the Grotto began in 1912 and continued year-round for 42 years.