Thus begins the story of Christus Gardens, America's #1 Religious Attraction. Home of the famous Carrara Marble face, Gatlinburg's leading visitor attraction for over 40 years has become an American treasure. Opened in August of 1960, an attraction of Biblical proportions, Christus Gardens features a dramatic and inspirational portrayal of the Life of Christ.
This presentation is enhanced by beautiful choral music, dramatic lighting and a moving narrative. Over four decades later, this unique presentation that takes visitors into a world of 2,000 years ago through life-size, life-like scenes from the Bible has become world-famous and is one of Gatlinburg's finest attractions. Our visitors often find their visit to Christus Gardens to be their Best Hour in the Smokies!
Among the many treasures at Christus Gardens,
visitors will find...
Over 100 perfect life-size figures crafted by master artists set in realistic dioramas.
Heirloom Bible Collection... many date back over 100 years!
Place of the Parables - Original paintings depicting the Parables of Jesus that are interpreted in a series of life-size paintings.
The Promise - 900 sq. ft. Mural of the Old Testament featuring 32 characters from Adam & Eve to the prophets who foretold the coming of Christ. this mural was painted during the 40th anniversary celebration by noted religious artist, Mark Pedro.
The remarkable face of Christ, carved in a 6-ton block of beautiful Carrara marble.
World renowned Biblical Coin Collection including the Shekel of Tyre, possibly a part of Judas' Thirty Pieces of Silver and "widow's mite" and "tribute penny."
Precious Gems of the Bible Learn about how jewels were used for adornment and worship from Arron's breastplate to the walls of Revelation's New Jerusalem.
Five years and 80,000 miles later, Ronald S. Ligon's dream was to become a reality. On August 13, 1960 a newly created visitor attraction in the Tennessee resort town of Gatlinburg was scheduled for its grand opening. It was called Christus Gardens, a unique presentation takes visitors into a world of 2,000 years ago.
When you visit Christus Gardens during your Gatlinburg Vacation, you will be greeted with a "Surround Sound" presentation about the interesting history that ultimately would create our beautiful dioramas and artifact displays.
A large number of skilled craftsmen, artists, writers, musicians, artisans and laborers, both in this country and abroad set out to create dramatic action dioramas that seemed to capture moments of Biblical history in graphic realism.