The builder of the miniatures at the Ave Maria Grotto was a Benedictine Monk -- Brother Joseph Soettl, O.S.B.  Bornin Landshut, Bavaria in 1878, he came to Saint Bernard Abbey in 1892.  After becoming a Brother in the Benedictine Order, he was appointed to the power plant for the Abbey, and while there he developed his hobby of building miniature shrines.  The first replicas were erected on the monastery recreation grounds, but because of the large number of visitiors, a new site was sleected and on 17 May 1934 the Ave Maria Grotto was dedicated.  Brother Joseph continued his work for over 40 years, using materials sent from all over the world.  He built his last model, the Basilica in Lourdes, at the age of 80, in 1958.

The Ave Maria Grotto, located on the grounds of Alabama's first and only Benedictine Abbey, consists of over 125 miniatures, reproductions of famous churches, shrines and buildings from all over the world.  Encompassing an area of over three acres, this miniature fairyland was built by Brother Joseph.  Brother Joseph who died in 1961 is buried in the Abby cemetery a short distance from the Grotto.
Grotto of the Little Flower
Hanging Gardens of Babylon
St Martin
Roman Group
St Peters Basilica
Sacred Heart Grotto
The Grounds
Song:  Ave Maria
Ave Maria Grotto, Alabama