Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima

This diorama at the Ave Maria Grotto is a recreation of the shrine to the Virgin Mary built in Fátima, Portugal, on the site of her legendary appearance to three children in 1917.

Courtesy of Ginger Ann Brook
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima

Hanging Gardens of Babylon

The Hanging Gardens of Babylon were one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and were associated with the Mesopotamian kingdom of Babylonia. They may or may not have actually existed. They are described in several ancient sources but no actual location has ever been discovered. This diorama is one of several non-religious scenes recreated by Joseph Zoettl at the Ave Maria Grotto.

Courtesy of Ginger Ann Brook
Hanging Gardens of Babylon

Basilica of the Transfiguration

The "Basilica of the Transfiguration" diorama at the Ave Maria Grotto commemorates the Franciscan church in Israel. It sits atop Mount Tabor and in Catholic theology is identified as the location of the Transfiguration of Christ, the point at which the man Jesus becomes the deity Jesus.

Courtesy of Ginger Ann Brook
Basilica of the Transfiguration

Herod’s Gate

Herod's Gate is part of Joseph Zoettl's City of Jerusalem, or "Jerusalem in Miniature," one of his groupings of miniatures at the Ave Maria Grotto.

Courtesy of Ginger Ann Brook
Herod’s Gate

Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes

The "Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes" diorama honors the religious site in Lourdes, France, where St. Bernadette saw a vision of the Virgin Mary. It was Joseph Zoettl's last creation at Ave Maria Grotto, completed in 1958 when he was 80 years old.

Courtesy of Ginger Ann Brook
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes

Altar in Ave Maria Grotto

This altar in the "Ave Maria Grotto" diorama is decorated with bits of broken pottery, marbles, glass, shells, and numerous other found and donated objects.

Courtesy of Ginger Ann Brook
Altar in Ave Maria Grotto

Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception

This diorama at the Ave Maria Grotto commemorates Mobile's Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, the seat of the Archdiocese of Mobile.

Courtesy of Ginger Ann Brook
Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception

Red Cross Tower

Joseph Zoettl built the "Red Cross Tower" diorama at the Ave Maria Grotto to honor the aid organization's service in World War I.

Courtesy of Ginger Ann Brook
Red Cross Tower

Temple of the Fairies

The "Temple of the Fairies" is one of several fanciful non-religious dioramas on display at the Ave Maria Grotto.

Courtesy of Ginger Ann Brook
Temple of the Fairies

World War II Memorial

The World War II diorama at the Ave Maria Grotto memorializes the students of St. Bernard's Abbey who were killed in service.

Courtesy of Ginger Ann Brook
World War II Memorial

Tower of Thanks

The "Tower of Thanks" diorama is located near the end of the trail through the Ave Maria Grotto and was created by Joseph Zoettl as a tribute to all those who helped him create his works.

Courtesy of Ginger Ann Brook
Tower of Thanks

Statue of Liberty

The diorama of the Statue of Liberty at the Ave Maria Grotto honors Joseph Zoettl's immigrant past. It features tiles, plastic, and stained glass decorations.

Courtesy of Ginger Ann Brook
Statue of Liberty

St. Kateri Tekakwitha

This diorama at the Ave Maria Grotto honors Kateri Tekakwitha (1656-1680), a Mohawk saint who was one of the first Native Americans canonized by the Catholic Church.

Photo by Claire Wilson
St. Kateri Tekakwitha