In 1953/54, the Mariengrotte was built at the upper end of a hollow path, in the area of a former sand pit, by citizens of the old town in gratitude for having survived the World War. The foundation stone was laid in October 1953 and the completion was celebrated with a solemn dedication service on 11 July 1954. During the Second World War, the population lived in great fear. It was feared that the nearby explosives factories could become the target of a bombing raid. However, as Stadtallendorf was spared a major attack, the desire to erect a Marian grotto out of gratitude quickly grew. This wish was supported by returning soldiers. They too had certainly suffered great fears for life and limb and invoked Mary in difficult times. After the great war, they were glad to have returned home. They also wanted to commemorate the fallen and missing of the Second World War. In this way, Marian grottoes were built in many places in Germany in the post-war period as places of remembrance and thanksgiving. To the side of the Mariengrotte, the builders had created a grave for the ‘unknown soldier’ to commemorate the fallen, which was moved to the 3rd wayside shrine a few years later - but no longer exists there today. The Mariengrotte was built on the centuries-old pilgrimage route, the ‘Forster Weg’. This leads from the old town centre far into the Herrenwald forest to the ‘Mariabild’ forest chapel. The listed Marian wayside shrines and the Marian grotto are strung together like a string of pearls and bear witness to the piety of the once Catholic rural community. The path also gives its name to the ‘Forster Weg’ hiking trail, which leads through the town's history, starting in the ‘old village’, continuing through the Herrenwald forest and into the ‘new town’. Today, the Mariengrotte, which is equipped with benches, is located in the middle of a sprawling industrial estate and not far from passing roads. Nevertheless, this natural memorial and prayer site is a place to linger and reflect and services are still held there every year.