Alabama has a high kitsch rating, evidenced by these over-sized aquatic retail entrances at Gulf Shores.
But the best Alabama kitsch is featured below.
But the best Alabama kitsch is featured below.
The Ave Maria Grotto, also known as Jerusalem in Miniature, on the grounds of the St. Bernard Abbey
in Cullman: 125 remarkable miniature replicas of historic sites and shrines constructed out of found bits
of marble, seashells, glass and jewels.
in Cullman: 125 remarkable miniature replicas of historic sites and shrines constructed out of found bits
of marble, seashells, glass and jewels.
All created by a Benedictine monk named Brother Joseph, who lived here almost 70 years. The monk
never traveled to any of the famous places he reconstructed, but used photos and drawings to recreate
the astonishing detail.
never traveled to any of the famous places he reconstructed, but used photos and drawings to recreate
the astonishing detail.
The replicas were built from 1912 - 1958. Brother Joseph died in 1961 at 83. The 4-acre park is
cared for today by monks at the Abbey.
cared for today by monks at the Abbey.