National Shrine of Our Lady of Martyrs — Attraction in Town of Glen

The National Shrine of Our Lady of Martyrs is a unique and beautiful Roman Catholic Shrine located in Auriesville, NY. The shrine is spread over a few hundred acres. It has walking paths, religious statues, chapels, and a large round church with 72 doors. The scenic views of the surrounding Mohawk Valley add to the serenity of the area. The large wooden round church in the middle of the property is perhaps the best part of the area. The Coliseum-like church contains 72 different doors and can fit almost 6000 people. There are four altars in the middle of the church that are designed to look like the wilderness fort that was once there. There is also a large wooden crucifix that hangs over the altar. There are many beautiful statues and paintings in the church near the top part of it where you walk in. It is possible to walk up close to see the great detail and precision in the altar and artworks around the church. After seeing the church it is possible to walk around the grounds. Perhaps, one of the most captivating sites on the grounds are the three crosses dedicated to the three missionaries who were killed near this area. A large rosary cross made of stones can also be seen in the fields around the property. A small museum that explains the history of the site can be found on the walkways. There is a ravine near the back of the walking grounds where one of the missionaries was killed. This area has been closed to hikers or walkers and has fallen into disrepair. This looked to be nice and hopefully it will be fixed soon. Surprisingly, it is possible to have this mostly to yourself as there are usually not very large crowds here. There is a large gift shop on the grounds as well. Some food is served here as well. Overall, this is a beautiful and peaceful...

Right along the NYS thruway, but you hear nothing but the breeze, the birds and the whisper of the Holy Spirit. The coliseum church-in-the-round is an incredible, unique structure by itself, and worthy of a visit, especially for Mass. I think the grounds are a little rougher than they used to be because of understaffing, reduced budgets and dwindling faithful visiting these amazing sites. And, there must've been some obvious financial desperation to sell the hilltop to a gaudy, ostentatious buddhist temple that had to be built higher than the treetops (tower of Babel?) Still, the various pilgrimage destinations within the grounds still remain, which makes for very palpable, visceral experience to be on the ground where these great Saints lived and were martyred. It's a very spiritual, special place. My family has always loved and cherished the opportunity to visit every summer. Even the most hornery, car sick kids will discover it's peace. Planning to finally make an effort to walk the stations...

I went to the Shrine on 9/30/23 while it was open. This is the first time i have been to the Shrine since I became severely disabled with a walker in 2018 and have not been to the Shrine since. After decades of visiting the Shrine, I was physically unable to enter the Visitors Center and had to leave the Shrine Grounds heartbroken. There were two wooden ramps at each of the doors, each of which were much too steep to go up with my walker. I travel and drive alone and do not need assistance. I realize the Shrine is very poor, but I am shocked and cannot believe that after ALL THESE DECADES there is not a handicap concrete ramp and railing access to the Visitors Center so the handicapped can use the rest rooms etc. You have wooden ramps covering the...