Concattedrale Gran Madre di Dio
Religion
AffiliationRoman Catholic
Location
LocationTaranto
CountryItaly
Geographic coordinates40°27′43″N 17°16′13″E / 40.46186°N 17.27037°E / 40.46186; 17.27037

The Concattedrale Gran Madre di Dio is a Roman Catholic co-cathedral in Taranto, Italy. Built between 1967 and 1970, it is notable for its modern architectural style.

History

The cathedral was designed by Italian architect Giovanni "Gio" Ponti at the direction of Archbishop Guglielmo Motolese.[1][2] The Concattedrale was to be built in the rapidly-developing Città Nuova neighborhood of Taranto and was meant to support the older Castellaneta Cathedral.[3]

Planning for the structure began in 1964, with construction continuing from 1967 until December 1970.[3][2]

Description

The design of the cathedral is closely linked to Taranto's position on the Mediterranean Sea.[3] There are three reflecting pools in front of the building that symbolize the ocean and the façade is designed to look like a sail.[3] The floor inside the cathedral is sea foam green, as are the accents in the nave.[3]

The façade is 87 meters long and 35 meters tall.[4] It is composed of two concrete walls spaced a meter apart with geometric holes cut into them, leaving a gothic outline.[3]

References

  1. Marcus, J. S. (2023-07-06). "Any True Modern-Design Lover Needs to Know About This Masterpiece". Wall Street Journal. ISSN 0099-9660. Retrieved 2023-07-07.
  2. 1 2 "Giornata di studio "Nuove committenze Nuovi progettisti"". Ufficio Nazionale per i beni culturali ecclesiastici e l'edilizia di culto. 2021-09-03. Retrieved 2023-07-07.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Stocks, Christopher (2018-05-30). "Gio Ponti's cut-out cathedral in Taranto deserves a resurrection". Wallpaper. Retrieved 2023-07-08.
  4. "Sito Ufficiale del Comune di Taranto". 2014-04-27. Archived from the original on 2014-04-27. Retrieved 2023-07-08.

40°27′43″N 17°16′13″E / 40.46186°N 17.27037°E / 40.46186; 17.27037

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