Ave Maria Grotto

Recently I had the pleasure of visiting the Ave Maria Grotto at the St. Bernard Abbey in Cullman, Alabama.  It is the only Benedictine monastery of men in the State of Alabama and was founded in 1891.  The Grotto, consisting of 125 small stone/cement structures nestled in the hillside, was constructed by Brother Joseph Zoetl, O.S.B., a 70 year-resident of the Abbey.  You may obtain more information by viewing the website avemariagrotto.com

Many of the items used in constructing the structures were broken plates, seashells, costume jewelry, marbles, beads and even cosmetic cream jars!

The Grotto is north of Birmingham, Alabama just east off I-65.

Happy Discovering,

Frannie