ave maria grotto

jeffbrtr

This place is really neat. If you are in Cullman looking for something to do the Grotto is definitely worth checking out.

melaniem258

We made a side visit to the grotto after seeing it on a travel sign along the highway. We are so glad we did! It was truly amazing and very interesting and intricate! We would recommend a stop by visit whenever traveling in that part of Alabama. The resident cats are very friendly and follow you around and the man that was running the gift shop at the time happened to be one of our children's former teachers in Michigan. . As they say, small world and the grotto is definitely a small world! The peace of God was present in this place.

DanandSharon

The miniature towns, shrines, attractions, homes, cities and so on that this man Brother Joseph did over the years are displayed in a beautiful outdoor setting. Very interesting and unusual

tworxers

As Catholics we are always interested in grottos that pop up along our travels The Ava Maria grotto is very interesting with a lot of small displays and should be of interest to all persons regardless of religious beliefs. It is also called Little Bethleham and that display is very good but there are many others as well. This grotto is a piece of living history and is something you would not see created today. It is a nice little walk around grotto and you have chances for reflection and meditation. It was a little dreary in January but should be very attractive when things green up. There is a small fee. The welcome center/gift shop is very well stocked and organized with a good variety of products. It features some breads and other products prepared by the local months. If you are in the area this is a nice relaxing stop and opportunity to get out of the car and stretch your legs.

Ssaholmes

We did this as a homeschool field trip and WOW! Brother Joseph had this unbelievable talent and we loved the scavenger hunt for the kids! Highly recommend!

csheheane

It is just very unique. One of the monks build Jerusalem out of material donated to him by children such as marbles. It took him years. It is a beautiful place just to walk and especially enjoy the azaleas when in bloom.

BabyRuth3911

The Ave Maria Grotto is not to be missed. Took my two children there on a Spring Break trip. It's a little off the beaten path, but totally worth the detour. Cullman is a sweet little scenic town, too, but the Grotto is extraordinary. The miniature buildings this little monk designed and built line a beautiful, winding path on the side of a rocky valley, and each one is fascinating. Created out of found or donated materials, the buildings are beautiful and artistic. For the kids, they have a scavenger hunt, where you have to locate little tiny objects throughout the grotto, and my kids who are usually glued to their electronics, delighted in running about and finding these little details and checking them off the list. If you are anywhere near Cullman, and can take a couple of hours to visit this little-known treasure, you will thoroughly enjoy your visit.

sheriw2015

one of the best little reproductions of biblical building ever, went as a child and loved it, returned as an adult and was overwhelmed by it, my friends found peace here

ShaneHolden

Everyone should visit here. I don't really know what to say but AMAZING. The kids will love it and the parents will love it more.

602dannyb

We could not believe this place is spectacular , a lifelong blind man built all this wow. That is a miracle in its self. Very cheap plenty of gift and attraction items including religious things you can purchase. Highly recommended

191alanf

I went with our youth group from Fort Rucker when I was 10. I since have been a few times. I took my parents when they came to visit and they were amazed with the grotto and the entire campus. A great family experience!

JiamesB

The man that built this put a lot of time and money in building it. It is a one-of-a-kind par with a High Religious theme.Surely worth anyone's time and money to view this site.

Hoopzcoach

Absolutely, a must. Spend an hour or so enjoying the grounds and craftsmanship. The gift shop is well stocked with beautiful items.

816anar

I have to tell you about this place, we found it looking at post cards in a store in the Zoto cave and ask the salesperson were is this, he told me and also said to me I always want to go there and I reply well thanks to you information I will go tomorrow and we did, the place is beautiful in details it is the hole bethlehan in minuture and have been don't by a priest ,the Grotto is beautiful we are catholic and really appreciate this place everything is done with shells, you will no be desapoint,it take 2 hours maximum to see it or less but is you near by I recommend you to stop by

Toothsc

It had been decades since I visited and I was recently in the area and stopped by. Brother Joseph's work is awe inspiring ! My adult son joined me on the visit and couldn't stop taking pictures. He was impressed by the use of so many different items within each miniature building. The stained glass inserts were especially of interest. We were both amused by a cat that was napping on top of St. Peter's Basilica and decided that it wasn't a stray when we entered the gift shop (at the end) and saw the cat crate. It was well worth the diversion from our main trip. The gift shop is quite large and very nicely appointed with religious and secular items. It's hard to realize that he completed his last work in 1958!Using our AAA card it is so reasonable priced at $5.