The Ave Maria Grotto in Cullman, Alabama

Eric found the Ave Maria Grotto on an internet search of the Arley area.  The Grotto of the Redemption in West Bend, Iowa was a visual feast for the eyes.  We want to visit this Grotto and see what another artist does with the concept.

Eric pulls into the Visitors

Parking Lot.

We pay the Senior Admission Fee and...

... watch a video about Brother

Joseph Zoetl (1878 - 1961)

& his creations.

The Grotto is just one of the pieces of art that Eric and I will see today.

Brother Joseph's artwork starts 

with Jesus' birth in Bethlehem.

Throughout the years, he was

given donations of building

materials.

Brother Joseph created this

tower as a thank you to his

benefactors.

Born in Landshut, Bavaria, the artist shares his hometown with visitors.

St. Martin's Church

America's Saint Kateri Tekakwitha

Brother Joseph worked from photos to recreate the buildings on display.

The Cathedral-Basilica of 

the Immaculate Conception 

in Mobile, Alabama

The Alamo in San Antonio,

Texas

Saint Peter's Basilica

in Vatican City, Rome

Brother Joseph's artwork climbs "the hill" behind Eric & me.

The Ave Maria Grotto

reminds me of Carlsbad

Caverns.

The life-size statue of

Brother Joseph.

He was 5 feet tall.

The Great Wall of China

The Sanctuary Our Lady of

 Lourdes in Lourdes, France

Jasna Gora Monastary 

in Czestochowa, Poland

The Shrine of Our Lady of

Good Help in Champion,

Wisconsin & the Grotto's

friendly cat.

The Ave Maria Grotto is much more than the name implies.  I'm glad we visited.  I admire Brother Joseph's detailed works.