If you’re in the Netherlands, you must visit the Green Cathedral, or De Groene Kathedraal as the Dutch call it. Why? Oh, well, it’s simply haphazardly constructed entirely of live, growing trees. What fun!
We typically identify cathedrals with a roof, walls, and stained-glass windows, but the Dutch chose to do something different with the Green Cathedral (in typical Dutch fashion).
No to brick and mortar, they yelled. Instead, 178 Italian poplar trees and concrete roads were used to create this stunning work of land art in Almere.
1. How it came to be the Green Cathedral
The Green Cathedral was conceived by Dutch artist Marinus Boezem in 1978. Boezem decided the new city of Almere would become the ideal home for his work once Flevoland was submerged and made the 12th province in 1986.
The lovely bomen that make up the Green Cathedral’s walls were consequently planted in 1987.
Oh, and there are several cathedrals. Boezem actually thought there should be two! A few years later, a “counter-cathedral” was built.
An empty cathedral-shaped area known as the “counter-cathedral” has been carved out of a beech and oak tree forest.
If you enjoy jigsaw puzzles, you’ll think this is cute. The “counter-cathedral”‘s vacant area is filled by the Green Cathedral like the final piece of a puzzle. So fulfilling!
2. So why did the Dutch build a cathedral built out of trees?
Boezem is a major enthusiast of Gothic architecture, which incorporates various naturalistic features. The shapes of tree trunks, branches, and foliage are imitated in the construction of stone columns, cross-ribbed vaults, and ornamented capitals.
What did Boezem do then? Perhaps you guessed it. He was inspired by this and adopted a somewhat literal approach. He built a church out of the same trees that normally influence its design.
Shells encircling the trees are designed to allude to the sea that was once prevalent in the area, while concrete roads between the trees represent the ribs of cross vaults in typical churches.
Overall, however, the Green Cathedral is meant to represent the desire to leave earthly concerns behind and soar to the divine, and you’ve got to admit, it’s a pretty cool way to convey that message.
Regarding temporality, the cathedral also has much to say. This is evident in its unique shape, which is a copy of the fashionable Notre Dame.
How is this message communicated? The Green Cathedral has a lifespan of only 30 years, in contrast to Notre Dame, a cathedral from the 13th century, which will endure forever (oops, fires aside).
The poplars will begin to rot once they reach the height of the French cathedral, but the counter-cathedral will last and keep expanding.
3. Things to do in Green Cathedral
What now, since we know you’re itching to see this treasure? The cathedral is open around-the-clock if you’re trying to decide what to do for the day. There aren’t any doors to close, after all.
There are numerous things to do at the Green Cathedral, thanks to its open doors.
Explore the Green Cathedral by bicycle or canoe.
First off, because this is still the Netherlands, there are curving bike routes and a canal that run beside the Green Cathedral. This lush beauty offers a wonderful location for a leisurely bike ride or canoe trip.
Canoe, we said it. In order to guarantee that you may go on your excursion, make sure to reserve at least three days in advance at the adjacent Outdoorpark SEC Almere.
However, none of them will actually take you to the Green Cathedral, so you get to design your own thrilling bicycle journey.
Explore the Green Cathedral on foot.
If you want simple solutions, you can also stroll along the vacant field that serves as the “counter-cathedral” while admiring the swinging trees above you. Remember to take a snapshot as a reminder of your trip!
After taking it all in, you may refuel by visiting the Boerderij Uniek Leven tea house and purchasing some food and beverages to take with you. Why go there? You can, of course, enjoy a delicious picnic!
Get married in Green Cathedral.
Looking for a location for your wedding? Conduct you do not believe that this would be a special location to conduct it?
The Green Cathedral is a well-liked location for weddings and funerals in the Netherlands, even if it may not be your traditional cathedral.
4. Where is the “Green Cathedral” located?
Both bicycles and cars can get to this beautiful work of land art. There is free parking, too.
Going via bus? Just be aware that while buses are available from Almere Stad Station Centrum, they won’t carry you all the way there. That’s okay, though, because the hike will give you the chance to see some breathtaking scenery.
5. What is the price?
There are no fees! Your exploration of the Green Cathedral is absolutely free, just like parking.
But you can stop by a tea cafe nearby to get something to eat and drink. So maybe bring along some cash for a tasty treat.
Everyone may enjoy the paintings, the cathedral, and the outdoor setting. This magnificent Dutch design is a treasure that shouldn’t be left off your bucket list if you’re in the Netherlands.
