Travel: Italian mountain getaway or in a seek of a “Green” plant Cathedral

Lately I have been travelling like a flight attendant and working day and night that’s why I said to myself (and to my boyfriend): ” That’s it! you and I need a break!and we need it now!”He completely agreed and on a sunny Sunday morning we headed North to find a place called Catedrale Vegetale – a Green tree Cathedral somewhere in mountains which was suggested by a friend . Sounded mysterious but I did not mind – in contrary was happy to get some little dose of Italian mountain beauty and have a small adventure.

The Green Cathedral

Finding the cathedral was not as easy as we though even with a navigator and GPS, so we used old fashioned way and just asked locals. (Which is actually a lot nicer way to learn about the place and get some good references and tips). the road had to cross Oltre Il Colle mountains-region to get to our destination.

* Picture from Valle Brembana.

First we stop in a small city for a coffee break and to check out a local amateur and farmers market.

..and I am ready to explore the market

 

after our little stop we continued our way to find the Cathedral.. But as there were no big signs we just passed by it and ended up in mountains. but to use the occasion we had a nice hike up the hill (good workout for butt and legs).

mountain exploring

view from a top of mountains

At one point we realized that we have mistaken and we had to go back, as we couldn’t see anything looking like a cathedral.. But still, the view from the up was worth the hiking and the sun was shining upon us – nothing to not enjoy!

The view from half the mountain

Explorer number 2

We went back down and there it was – a nice, big sign of the Cathedral.

Cathedrale Vegetale

Forest and nature is the answer

along the path to our destination were put some nice sayings and thoughts. This one was saying: ” You will find more in forest than in the books. Tress and rocks will teach you things that no teacher will tell you”. San Bernardo.

Cathedrale Vegetale

a place to rest and enjoy the nature

This bench was in a such a nice place – cathedral behind you and a spectacular mountain view in front of you. Just feel like sitting, resting and enjoying the moment.

Cathedral from up

*Located in Bergamo in northern Italy, the Cattedrale Vegetale (the Green or Plant Cathedral) uses trees and branches to create a cathedral-like structure at the base of Mount Arera. The five-aisle basilica gets its structure from 42 columns, formed by weaving more than 600 chestnut and hazel branches around 1,800 fir tree poles, the branches curving at the top to form the arches.   650sqmetre cathedral remains an evolving structure. (More details on BBC Travel).

Catching those rays of sunshine

Oh, this was a perfect Sunday indeed: sunny, warm, colorful, fun and adventurous + had a good walking workout. A great way to burn off some calories, get some fresh air, and relax and recharge your batteries by explore hidden gems of Italy. So must check it out for yourself!