Maysville, Kentucky
Station I of XV
Jesus is condemned to death
A judge sits at ease. Jesus stands before him, hands bound, already carrying the weight of what is coming.
Reto Demetz · Bronze, life-size
I of XV
The Gardens
Fifteen bronzes. One unbroken path.
The Sculptures
Life-size, and one of a kind.
They are life-size. That is the first thing visitors notice, not photographs of the Stations of the Cross, not illustrations or reliefs, but figures cast at human scale: the weight of the cross, the curve of a grieving face, the stillness of the tomb, placed in an open garden where anyone can walk beside them.
The original molds no longer exist. These sculptures are singular. They will not be replicated anywhere in the world.
The Stations
A journey in fifteen moments.
The Stations of the Cross trace the final hours of Christ’s life, from his condemnation to his death and burial. For centuries, the faithful have walked this path as an act of devotion and remembrance. At the Gardens at St. Patrick’s, the walk is set in bronze and open to the air.
Each station is a distinct moment. Each figure was made to be approached, not observed from a distance. The path asks visitors to slow down, to look closely, and to stay as long as they need.
The Fifteen Stations
Walk the path, one station at a time.
Station II of XV
Jesus takes up his cross
The beam rests against his shoulder for the first time. Behind him, the cross that marks the garden’s high point catches the last of the light.
Reto Demetz · Bronze, life-size
II of XV
Station III of XV
Jesus falls the first time
Photography and description for this station are pending an on-site review.
III of XV
Station IV of XV
Jesus meets his mother
Photography and description for this station are pending an on-site review.
IV of XV
Station V of XV
Simon of Cyrene helps carry the cross
A stranger is pulled from the crowd to share the weight. Neither man looks at the other. Both look at the road ahead.
Reto Demetz · Bronze, life-size
V of XV
Station VI of XV
Veronica wipes the face of Jesus
She kneels and offers a cloth, the only comfort available to her. Christ receives it without breaking stride.
Reto Demetz · Bronze, life-size
VI of XV
Station VII of XV
Jesus falls the second time
Photography and description for this station are pending an on-site review.
VII of XV
Station VIII of XV
Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem
Photography and description for this station are pending an on-site review.
VIII of XV
Station IX of XV
Jesus falls the third time
Photography and description for this station are pending an on-site review.
IX of XV
Station X of XV
Jesus is stripped of his garments
The garments are removed in public, the final indignity before the nails. The bronze holds still where the moment did not.
Reto Demetz · Bronze, life-size
X of XV
Station XI of XV
Jesus is nailed to the cross
Two women turn away. A soldier works without hesitation. The cross is raised into the place it will stay.
Reto Demetz · Bronze, life-size
XI of XV
Station XII of XV
Jesus dies on the cross
Three crosses stand against the evening sky. Bronze figures gathered at the base look up together, unable to look away.
Reto Demetz · Bronze, life-size
XII of XV
Station XIII of XV
Jesus is taken down from the cross
He is returned to his mother’s arms. The grief is quiet, and complete.
Reto Demetz · Bronze, life-size
XIII of XV
Station XIV of XV
Jesus is laid in the tomb
Photography and description for this station are pending an on-site review.
XIV of XV
Station XV of XV
Jesus rises from the dead
Photography and description for this station are pending an on-site review.
XV of XV
Walk the path at your own pace.
There is no required pace. Benches throughout, and an audio tour available at the time of purchase.
Plan Your Visit →
Bring your group.
The Gardens welcomes school groups, parish groups, and organized tours, with group pricing for parties of 25 or more.
Group Information →