Church holly cross, Romanian Orthodox church in Felsenau, Bern, Switzerland
Church Holly Cross is a Romanian Orthodox church building in Felsenau with raw concrete construction and angular geometric forms. The sharp walls and minimal ornamentation define the entire appearance of the structure.
The building was created in 1969 by architect Walter Förderer, who drew inspiration from post-war architectural trends. His design used raw concrete as the primary material and reflected the design approaches of that era.
The building serves the Romanian Orthodox community as a space for worship and gatherings. The spare concrete design reflects a different approach to how religious spaces can be shaped and used.
The location is in the Felsenau district and accessible on foot, with pedestrian-friendly paths in the area. It is best to explore the surroundings during daylight to appreciate the concrete surfaces and forms clearly.
The building is a noteworthy example of brutalism in Switzerland, where raw concrete became an artistic expression for religious architecture. Many visitors overlook how the unfinished concrete walls weather gradually over time and change in appearance.
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