Ava Maria Grotto
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Ava Maria Grotto is a 4 acre landscaped Religious park located on the grounds of St. Bernard Abbey in Cullman, Alabama. Added to the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage in 1976 and National Register of Historic Places in 1984; the garden is home to 125 miniature reproductions of the most famous religious structures of the world. Brother Joseph Zoettl devoted 50 years to the project; constructing the miniatures from discarded building supplies, bricks, marbles, tiles and more. Visitors walk along a winding sidewalk past each of the displays, one depicting ancient Jerusalem. Each scene is depicted in great detail and the experience to the visitor stunting. Brother Joseph was a quiet, withdrawn man who rarely left Alabama; but his work stands tall and loud and is well worth the visit.
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