A tree cathedral comprising five aisles and 42 columns will be inaugurated in the Parco delle Orobie, Bergamo [Lombardy] on Saturday. The project is the Province of Bergmo’s contribution to the International Year of Biodiversity and has involved the towns of Roncoello, Ardesio and Oltre il Colle.

The Cathedral, which stands at the foot of Monte Arera, is constructed from 1,800 fir poles, 600 chestnut branches and 6,000 metres of hazel branches joined together with string, wood and nails using traditional weaving methods, reports ANSA. The structure is 28.5 metres long, 24 metres wide and its height ranges from five to 21 metres. The Cathedral’s area is 650 square metres. Inside this framework 42 beech trees have been planted and will be left to grow as nature intends.

The work was the inspiration of the Director of the Parco delle Orobie, Franco Grassi and it was designed by the environmental artist Giuliano Mauri, who sadly died last year.