Concattedrale Gran Madre di Dio
Italian cathedral
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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.
| Concattedrale Gran Madre di Dio | |
|---|---|
Façade of Concattedrale Gran Madre di Dio | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Roman Catholic |
| Location | |
| Location | Taranto |
| Country | Italy |
 Interactive map of Concattedrale Gran Madre di Dio | |
| Coordinates | 40.46186°N 17.27037°E |
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 Taranto 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]
Gallery
Grave of Archbishop Guglielmo Motolese
