AN INTIMATE LOOK AT AVA MARIA GROTTO ( MINI JERUSALEM ) IN CULLMAN, ALABAMA

My first visit to the Ava Maria Grotto was a cool, crisp day at the beginning of January 2012. I went with my boyfriend as a treat for him because he is Catholic. That in no way is to imply that I didn't want to go because, I did. I have always wanted to visit ever since I found out the place existed.

We were able to tour the cemetery where past priests and bishops are buried. Also, the creator of the Grotto Brother Joseph Zoetl, is buried here also. In the middle of the cemetery, there was a cross that shows Jesus being crucified.

Next, we viewed the chapel. We were walking in and you just feel you are in a place that should be reverenced. On either side of the chapel at the back there is a statue of Mary on one side and a statue of Jesus on the other. There are ornate dark wooden benches. You look up and aound and there's some of the most beautiful stained glass windows. There are prayer candles to light in the chapel. Then you walk to the front of the chapel and there's an altar with Mary holding Jesus. It is life size and the colors were absolutely beautiful.

We went to the grotto but, unfortunately it was closed. We drove around the school and a priest was feeding the fish and there was also someone walking for exercise on that road.

On the road to the Ava Maria Grotto, there was a sign that reads Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament. This is located in Hanceville. We were unable to view the Grotto and we were so impressed with the Ava Maria Grotto the little bit that we saw. We decided to stop on the way back home to the Shrine of The Most Blessed Sacrament.

We enjoyed our trip so much the first time that we went to Ava Maria Grotto that we had to bring my boyfriend's parents along the second time. We fixed a picnic lunch and had it there on the grounds at the Ava Maria Grotto.

To see the look on their faces to see the cemetery, Jesus on the cross, the chapel it was just priceless. You just feel like you are in a special place when you are walking to the chapel because, there are the twelve stations of the cross. It is almost too much to try to describe. I would highly recommend you go see this in person. It is a must for every Christian. It will put your life into a different perspective.

After taking them to the cemetery we went into the gift shop and looked around for quite a while. They have many unique gift items for even the person who may have everything. After you pay to view the Grotto, you get to watch a short video of the history of Ava Maria Grotto. I remember just sitting there in awe. To think that this was constructed by a man around 1892. He did everything by hand. No electric tools were used or even invented for that matter, at that time. Some of his tools can be viewed in the gift shop.

After the video, we start our tour. I know I am walking with my mouth open. I am absolutely amazed at the craftsmanship, creativity and handy work of Brother Joseph Zoetl. He used anything and everything that he could find to construct religious buildings such as, stone, marbles, glass of all different colors, rocks, shells and concrete. When it became known that he was constructing these miniatures, people from around the world started to mail him marbles and glass and shells to use in his creations. His ideas for the creations were gathered from his bible studies or from pictures that he had seen. A few were even done from printed descriptions. However, he had seen six of his creations in person. Some of his religious works are Noah's Ark, The Tower of Babel, Hanging Gardens of Babylon and Scenes from the Holy Land. This is only a few of the many more that he created. He also created some non religious statues such as The Statue of Liberty, Hansel and Gretel Visit The Temple Of The Fairies, The Leaning Tower of Pisa.

This is just a must see I can't say enough about The Ava Maria Grotto. It is a must see for Alabamians!!

I was in complete awe as I toured this mecca of religion. It is over 4 acres in size and it is basically what it is called, a mini Jerusalem. The pictures included in this hub were taken by me while at the Ava Maria Gratto. All of these mini buildings are finely detailed and many of the sculptures are made out of everyday household items. I saw the Vatican in Rome, the temple of Pontias Pilate, Marys birthplace and so many more amazing items. They even had a section dedicated to WW2 soldiers who were Catholic who died in combat. After the tour there was a grave yard where Bishops and Priests were buried. At the end there was a beautiful church for prayer with candles and statues of Jesus and Mary all around. It was truly a wonderful experience I will never forget. I look forward to going back especially reading each miniature to see the desription. Jesus, Joseph, Mary, Pontias Pilate and Rome have full stories linked around them. It is well worth the price of admission which is not much anyhow. Everyone is welcome no matter what your religious affiliation might be. It is definitely a learning experience both mentally and spiritually.