There exists an open-air art gallery where the works are not simply displayed but live within nature: it is called Arte Sella, it is located in Borgo Valsugana, and it is magnificent. Here creativity and environment are the protagonists, working together, respecting and influencing one another. The artist is no longer at the centre of the process but steps back, leaving the (open) space to the work itself.

Arte Sella: making art with and in nature

At Arte Sella, the works live with and in nature. Artists are encouraged not to make radical alterations to the land, but rather to gather what they need from the surrounding woods, using natural materials such as leaves, tree branches, stones and earth. The creative process — and therefore the finished work — is in a state of constant change, clearly subject to weather conditions and the passing of the seasons. This dimension of artistic practice also has a different relationship with ecology: nature is no longer merely protected, but interpreted in its essence; it is a source of knowledge and experience that must be safeguarded, including through an attitude of respect and attentiveness on the part of visitors.

Within this natural setting, in this open-air gallery, the works are there to be found, admired, walked through and respected along a forest path — freely accessible and extending for three kilometres along the slopes of Monte Armentera.

The Arte Natura trail

There are two trails; on the one known as Arte Natura, visitors are invited to make their way along narrow beaten-earth paths, through a biotope, open meadows and centuries-old trees, in a silent dialogue with the works created by artists over the years. There are currently 58 works, including pieces by, among others, Rainer Gross, Sally Matthews, Will Beckers, Francois Lelong, Giuliano Orsingher, Anthony Howe and Stuart Ian Frost.

During the summer period, Arte Sella's many activities are hosted at Malga Costa, an ancient rural building transformed into an exhibition and cultural space. This trail is free to enter; for opening times — especially in winter — it is advisable to contact Arte Sella directly; all the necessary information is available here.

The Cattedrale Vegetale

One of the works that defines Arte Sella's natural space and the Area Malga Costa trail is the Cattedrale Vegetale, created in 2001 near Malga Costa by artist Giuliano Mauri. This imposing work of art and architecture has the dimensions of a true Gothic cathedral, with three naves twelve metres high and a surface area of 1,220 square metres. Four hundred and twenty supporting columns, five hundred rings and three thousand interwoven twigs make up the scaffolding of the Cattedrale. Imposing, yet natural at the same time. Inside the columns, small hornbeam saplings have been planted. The columns are structures built by the artist to accompany the trees during the twenty years they need to reach maturity; after that period, the structures are destined to rot away, giving way to 80 column-shaped trees that will serve as a reminder of the artist's work. A project that is as much architectural as it is natural, in a state of perfect equilibrium.

This itinerary is ticketed; entry costs €7 and it is open every day from 10am to 5pm.

Arte Sella makes art feel natural, harmonious and alive, and enchants every visitor. A setting so perfect that great figures from the worlds of music, theatre and literature have found here the right place for their art: Jovanotti, Baricco, Paolini, Capossela have all expressed themselves at Arte Sella.