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Concattedrale Gran Madre di Dio

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

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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

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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]

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References

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  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. ^ a b "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. ^ a b c d e f 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