Our planet is home to some truly amazing pieces of architecture. Cathedrals, in particular, are known for their splendor. These buildings often feature elaborate designs; they are the epitome of ornamentation.
While many of the world’s most elegant churches feature stained glass or precious metals, one devout worshiper has created his own kind of cathedral – and it is unlike anything you’ve ever seen.
Barry Cox has dedicated his life to gardening. He grew up in a Catholic household, and as a young boy he dreamt of one day becoming the Pope. As Barry grew older, he began to develop a new love.
Barry found himself working more and more with plants, and he developed some truly inspiring creations. His greatest work so far is a living cathedral. This masterpiece was created using different types of trees – and it is every bit as stunning as it sounds! The building rests on 3 acres of sprawling green lawns in New Zealand.
Barry has used his ingenuity to transform this landscape into a deeply religious destination. It took him 4 years to create this masterpiece, but it was worth every minute. Visitors cannot help but feel reverence when they enter this gorgeous land.
The entryway to the cathedral is lined with small trees. These serve to give the visitors a sense of being surrounded by nature. The cathedral itself rests in the center of a small clearing, with plenty of space around it.
A small gate and a wall of short shrubs protect the cathedral from unwanted visitors. They also define the space surrounding the church, which is the crown jewel of the area.
The cathedral itself takes its shape from an iron frame. This helps it to keep the form of a traditional church. Laciniata trees come together to line the ceiling.
The walls have been built from Leptospernum trees. These provide the walls of the building with a dark, rich color. The contrast of the dark wood against the light grass makes the cathedral a splendid sight to behold.
The inside of the church is open and earthy. The tree canopy allows plenty of natural light to enter the space, and the design allows for a refreshing breeze to sweep through the cathedral. The altar located at the front of the church is made from imported Italian marble.
The gardens surrounding the cathedral might be even more impressive than the building itself. Barry’s love of plants shines through every inch of this gorgeous landscape.
A small labyrinth maze gives the area a historic feel. Ancient texts often spoke of elaborate mazes that protected precious treasures, and Barry has brought this tradition into his modern rendition of the cathedral grounds.
A brilliant display of multicolored plants breathes life into the area. No matter where you are on the property, you will be captivated by these breathtaking scenes.
The garden was originally meant to be Barry’s personal place to relax, but it has captured the hearts of many visitors. It has become a popular dream destination for weddings and other big events.
This property is so welcoming. It makes the perfect venue for any special occasion.
Whether you want to plan a celebration or simply see the beautiful living cathedral, you will not be let down. Check out the video below for your own virtual tour.
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