December 11, 2014 22 comments By

The Tree Cathedral

The base of Mount Arera in Nothern Italy has just moved up to the top of my travel bucket list. It is where Italian artist Giuliano Mauri built the framework for his Cattedrale Vegetale, a cathedral-like structure formed by weaving more than 600 chestnut and hazel branches around 1,800 fir tree poles to form 42 columns. After each of the columns deteriorate, a single beach tree – planted inside each column – will outgrow the structure and create a natural wall and roof. In just a few more years, the end result will be a Gothic-like cathedral make entirely of trees. Honestly, wow.

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(images via Arte Sella & Giacomo Bianchi)

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22 Comments

  1. ~ Carmen ~ wrote:

    Wow, this is stunning. It’s amazing to see it under different conditions. The snow makes it almost magical. :] // ▲ itsCarmen.com ▲

    12.11.14
    Reply
  2. JLu wrote:

    Wow, never heard about this place before, it’s stunning!

    http://www.julialundin.com

    12.11.14
    Reply
  3. S Lauren @ Modern Granola wrote:

    This is beautiful, creative, and inspiring. I’ve never seen anything like it!

    12.11.14
    Reply
  4. Dominique wrote:

    amazing
    xxx
    http://www.dominiquecandido.com

    12.11.14
    Reply
  5. Prudence Yeo wrote:

    Such an ethereal and charming tree cathedral, looks like something from fairy-tales! Absolutely amazing!

    Prudence
    http://www.prudencepetitestyle.wordpress.com

    12.11.14
    Reply
  6. Rose wrote:

    When you go to this place, can I come with you? Magical.

    12.12.14
    Reply
  7. From The World With Love wrote:

    Amazingly beautiful….love love
    xoxo
    Yael Guetta

    http://www.ftwwl.com

    12.12.14
    Reply
  8. LEE @ Modern Granola wrote:

    Wow! This is seriously so cool! What patience it is taking to build! Worth it. Very impressive.

    12.12.14
    Reply
  9. Nikki wrote:

    OH MY! This is insane! It’s so beautiful! I am definitely putting this place on my bucket list. Thanks for the great post!

    xoxo Nikki

    http://nikkishavenstation.wordpress.com

    12.12.14
    Reply
  10. Ice Pandora wrote:

    Wow! Very beautiful c: And such appealing pictures as well!
    Xx http://icepandora.blogspot.com

    12.13.14
    Reply
  11. Billi wrote:

    Love this post!

    xoxo Honey Bee Swim
    http://www.shophoneybee.com

    12.15.14
    Reply
  12. The Signorina wrote:

    Hey hey! I’ve come across a beauty of a blog. Really colourful and inspiring.
    I write an entertainment blog entitled The Signorina.
    Come and have a browse if you like!

    12.16.14
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  13. meg wrote:

    this is breathtaking… seeing it in person would be unreal, not to mention when it’s covered in snow! just beautiful..

    http://www.waterlilyshop.com
    @waterlilyshop

    12.18.14
    Reply
  14. kenz wrote:

    this is amazing… it’s one of my weekend links, check it out! fiftytwoeast.com

    12.20.14
    Reply
  15. María wrote:

    This is one of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen
    Lots of love, xx

    http://www.marysreturn.com
    http://www.marysreturn.com

    12.27.14
    Reply
  16. Tina wrote:

    I love the images that show it in the various seasons, so gorgeous!! What a beautiful natural wonder for a special occasion. http://www.mingleandmansome.com

    7.16.15
    Reply