How to Build a Grotto for Religious Statues
A grotto is a semi-enclosed place that holds and protects items of worship and sacredness. If you own statues that have spiritual or religious significance, building a grotto in the front or back yard is a way to devote space to the statue and protect it from the elements at the same time.
Things You Will Need
- Bathtub or refrigerator
- Shovel
- Extension cord
- Paint and paintbrush
- Screwdriver
There are a number of simple ways to build your own shrine, some involving simple household items.
Use an Old Bathtub
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Obtain an old used bathtub; the clawfoot kind are the best.
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Dig a hole about 2 or 3 feet deep in your back or front yard in the place you want your grotto to be.
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Stand the bathtub up on one end, lengthwise, and place it in the hole you dug in your yard.
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Fill the bottom of the bathtub with dirt and pack dirt around the base so that it is secure standing on its end.
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Paint the bathtub any color you want, including multiple colors and intricate designs.
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Place the statue on the ground or on a covering inside the bottom of your bathtub grotto.
Use an Old Refrigerator
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Dig a 2- to 3-foot-deep hole in the space where you want your grotto.
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Remove the door from an old refrigerator with a screwdriver. You may have to get a professional to help you with this step, depending on the refrigerator.
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Place the refrigerator in the hole, bottom end first.
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Fill the bottom of the refrigerator with dirt and pack it around the base of the refrigerator until it is well secure.
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Paint the refrigerator to suit your taste.
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Run an extension cord to the nearest power outlet and plug in the refrigerator. The light in the refrigerator should come on, giving you a lighted grotto at night. Unplug the cord during the day.
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Place statue in the grotto.