The 'Cathedral Vegetale' was designed by Giuliano Mauri and is intended to eventually vanish as the living trees grow and reclaim the structure.
The project was founded in 1986 by a group of friends passionate about art and the local landscape.
Many pieces remain in place until they are completely decomposed by weather and insects, adhering to a philosophy of impermanence.
The location serves as a creative residency where artists often live and work on-site for weeks to understand the local terrain.
It is located at an altitude of approximately 1,000 meters above sea level.
The site hosts an annual festival featuring music, dance, and literature performances integrated with the art installations.
Arte Sella is an international open-air art exhibition located in the Sella Valley within the Trentino region of Italy. The site features installations created by artists who use natural, biodegradable materials such as stones, leaves, branches, and trunks, allowing the works to evolve and decay according to natural cycles. The project spans two primary areas: the Malga Costa area and the shorter, forest-focused Corso Natura path. Many sculptures are designed to integrate seamlessly into the surrounding alpine forest and mountain landscape. The centerpiece of the site is the Cathedral Vegetale (Vegetable Cathedral), a massive structure grown from living columns of braided ash and hazel trees. Since its founding in 1986, the exhibition has hosted globally renowned artists and architects. Visitors traverse designated trails to view works that emphasize the relationship between human creativity and the environment. The site is actively maintained as an evolving laboratory for contemporary art and land art. It remains a key reference point for the land art movement in Europe.
The interior of the Cathedral Vegetale, looking upward toward the sky through the canopy.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe hiking or walking shoes, as the paths are unpaved, uneven, and can be muddy.
Bring a reusable water bottle, as there are limited facilities deep within the forest sections.
Download the digital map provided on their website before arrival, as mobile signal can be inconsistent in the valley.
Attempting to walk the trails in casual footwear like flip-flops or sandals.
Open year-round, though access to certain paths may be restricted during winter months due to snow or safety maintenance.
Do not touch, climb on, or alter any of the art installations; keep noise levels low to respect the natural setting.
