About Us

Our History

Learn about the history of the oldest hotel in Gatlinburg.

Photos

A visual tour of the Historic Gatlinburg Inn.

Location

We are easy to find in downtown Gatlinburg.

Shop

Official merchandise.

About Gatlinburg

The Great Smoky Mountains

The most visited national park in the U.S.

Gatlinburg Restaurant Guide

The best restaurants reviewed.

Local Attractions

There is a lot to do in Gatlinburg!

Distilleries

Free sips of moonshine.

Regional Attractions

Things to do outside Gatlinburg.

Christus Gardens – the Demolition of a Gatlinburg Landmark

Mar 7, 2022 | History

Christus Gardens (later renamed “Christ in the Smokies”) was a Gatlinburg landmark for many years. The museum opened in 1960, early in the rise of Gatlinburg as a vacation hotspot, by Mr. Ronald Ligon. The museum featured life-size figures populating scenes from the life of Jesus. The museum also featured exbibits with artifacts from the period, heirloom bibles, and many other items meant to honor and inform about Jesus Christ.

Christus Gardens

But alas, change is inevitable. At the end of 2020, Christ in the Smokies was closed, and it sat closed to the public for over a year. And now, the building is being demolished. We did notice the artifacts from the museum being carefully transported away. We don’t know where it is going, but it was not destroyed.

Christ in the Smokies demolition

What comes next for the land where Christus Gardens stood for so many years? We’re not sure yet, but you can bet someone will build SOMETHING there. It’s a wonderful location, on River Road that loops around Parkway, right next to the Cliff Branch stream.

Christ in the Smokies demolition