Ave Maria Grotto -- Cullman, Ala.

Destination: The Ave Maria Grotto is an off-the-beaten-path treasure north of Birmingham, Ala., on the grounds of St. Bernard Abbey in Cullman, Ala. It is the work of Brother Joseph Zoettl, a Benedictine monk. Originally from Landschutt, Bavaria, Germany, he created “A World in Miniature” during his time in the United States.

Mass is not regularly offered to the public at the grotto. 

Photos: Top -- A detailed miniature of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, created in 1953, is part of a larger landscape of religious and historically significant structures begun by Brother Joseph Zoettl, OSB, at the only Benedictine Abbey in Alabama.  (Observer photos/Sharon Boehlefeld).

Middle -- A bust of the grotto designer, Brother Joseph, is visible on the grounds.

Bottom -- A visitor looks at the main display at the Ave Maria Grotto. Several benches are in the grassy area across from the grotto.

Why to go: Brother Joseph’s work has been open to the public since 1934. Volunteers maintain the grounds, and some have created additions to the grotto in the style of Brother Joseph’s original work. 

The 125 miniatures created of stone, cement and recycled materials such as broken plates, costume jewelry, shells and more are set in a beautifully landscaped hillside at the abbey. They include stand-alone sculptures representing elements of the lives of the Holy Family, as well as models of famous locations from around the world.

The last miniature Brother Joseph created was of the Lourdes Basilica Church, which he made in 1958 when he was 80.

Admission: Costs start at $10 for adults and drop from that. Tickets are available in the gift shop. Check the website for holiday closings.

Accessibility: There are some bumps to navigate, and some of the ramps are a bit steep. But with care, nearly everyone should be able to get around the grotto. The website says the grotto is not wheelchair accessible. 

(Grand) Kid friendly: If the weather is nice, this is a great place to plan a family picnic on a road trip. 

Info: Address — Ave Maria Grotto 1600 St. Bernard Dr. SE, Cullman, Alabama 35055   
Phone — 256-734-4110   
Website — https://www.avemariagrotto.com/

— Sharon Boehlefeld wrote this story after visiting the grotto. 

Send Destination ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org