The history, architecture, and enduring celebrations in the small city of Cullman make it a perfect choice for a European-inspired day trip in Alabama. German immigrants, including town founder Col. Johann Gottfried Cullmann began settling the community in 1873. While their influence remains evident today, recent history has brought additional touches of European flair from parts beyond Germany.

The most obvious permanent architectural evidence of Cullman's German roots is its tallest building, the Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

While the first European settlers founded the church a year after they arrived, the building that stands today dates to 1916.

Especially interesting – and beautiful – are the church's original stained glass windows. Craftsmen designed the windows in the US and sent some of the more intricate work to Germany.

There, artisans completed them, yet had to bury the fragile works for safekeeping until the conclusion of World War I. In 1920, the windows finally made their way to Cullman for installation.

Depending on when you visit, you may see other, more in-your-face odes to Germany, like during the city's spectacular annual Oktoberfest celebration. While events occur in several places throughout the city, the center of activity is the city's massive Festhalle Market Platz. No hyperbole here: It's as big as it looks, and the largest timber-frame structure in the state.

From April through October, the structure houses Festhalle Farmers Market. The site is especially fitting for this use, as well, since the farmers of this area can trace many of their innovative methods and crop diversification to the early settlers.

As for Oktoberfest, it takes over the space for the last few days of September of each year, starting on a Thursday and concluding late Saturday night. People enjoy special ticketed events plus plenty of fun that's free to attend, including a parade, music, street performances, a walking tour, brat-eating and stein-hoisting contests, a pageant, and much more.

Christmastime also brings a wave of winter activities with odes to German culture, including the tallest Christmas pyramid – or Weihnachtspyramide – in North America.

Cullman's pyramid towers over 40 feet, and includes tiered scenes and symbols honoring the seasons and aspects of the community. During the holiday season, it stands next to the Cullman County Museum.

In 2023, Cullman's annual Christkindlmarkt dramatically expanded into five full weeks of community events and market shopping hours.

The market boasts more than over 40 food, craft, and gift vendors. The celebration begins the day after Thanksgiving.

With so much German immersion, one might miss the fact Cullman has one of the best Italian restaurants around - Carlton's Italian.

I said one "might" miss it to urge that you do not.

The restaurant opened as a pizza spot in 1972 and since then, has changed hands, shifted locations, and expanded into a full menu of traditional Italian favorites.

At least two things we know have remained constant: It's still named after its original owner, and the food is delicious. The restaurant is located just around the corner from Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Speaking of the church, its influence impacted another significant attraction here that is unlike any other in the world and yet, comprises many parts that are just like other places in the world. Stay with me, here. In 1891, German Benedictine priests arrived to lead Sacred Heart and also established St. Bernard Abbey in Cullman. The next year, a 14-year-old named Joseph Zoettl, like Cullmann, immigrated from Bavaria.

After becoming a brother in the Benedictine Order, Zoettl suffered a severe injury that determined his fate to not become a priest as he'd wanted. He stayed on at St. Bernard, where he worked in the power plant. In 1912, he began creating Ave Maria Grotto. Until his passing in 1961, he created 125 miniatures of the world's most famous religious buildings and structures. You can tour the works along a short path through this four-acre site, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

About 10 miles south of Cullman, in Hanceville, another faith-focused destination will make you feel like you've stepped into the Middle Ages. Yet it was built in ... 1999? That's correct, and you have to see it to believe it. The Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament and the Monastery of the Poor Clare Nuns of Perpetual Adoration sit upon 400 acres of former farmland.

The late Eternal Word Television Network founder Mother Angelica established the site with private funding. According to the Alabama Humanities Alliance, the buildings' construction includes materials from all over the globe, including stained glass from Germany, marble from Turkey, sculpted bronze doors from Spain, and cedar from Paraguay.

Lastly, if you have time to squeeze in a hike, check out Hurricane Creek Park in Falkville, which is less than 10 miles north of Cullman. I recommend the Twilight Tunnel and Hidden Valley Loop Trail. My dog and I detoured to explore one recent winter day, and it did not disappoint - even at that time of year.

Do you agree Cullman is perfect for a European-inspired day trip in Alabama? Let us know your experiences if you've had a chance to visit and any other local tips you'd offer first-timers.