Benghazi Cathedral

Benghazi Cathedral
Benghazi Cathedral (1960s)
Basic information
Location Benghazi, Libya
Geographic coordinates Coordinates: 32°6′50″N 20°3′34″E / 32.11389°N 20.05944°E / 32.11389; 20.05944
Affiliation Roman Catholic Church
Rite African Rite
Ecclesiastical or organizational status Cathedral
Status Active
Architectural description
Architectural type church
Architectural style Neoclassical
Groundbreaking 1929

Benghazi Cathedral is a former Roman Catholic church in the city of Benghazi, Libya. It is located in the city center.

History

Benghazi Cathedral was built between 1929 and 1939, and was one of the largest churches in North Africa.[1] The building was later used as a headquarters for the Arab Socialist Union.[2]

It later became vacant and derelict. As of 2009, the cathedral and its entire site are currently under renovation by an Italian company.

Architectural features

The building is an example of Neoclassical architecture, and was designed by Italian architects Guido Ottavo and Cabiati Ferrazza. The cathedral's architecture is based on that of a basilica. The entrance has a portico with six Doric columns. Its two characteristic domes cover both spans of the nave, while a series of oculi provide the cathedral's lighting. The building is heavily inspired by Italian religious architecture. Original plans show that the cathedral was not completed as planned; the drawings included a three story bell tower which was never built. It is nevertheless one of the largest churches in North Africa.

See also

References

  1. ↑ BENGHAZI:Former cathedral.
  2. ↑ Eljahmi, Mohamed, (Winter 2006), Libya and the U.S.: Qadhafi Unrepentant, pp. 11-20, Middle East Quarterly , Accessed 16 June 2009.
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