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| Former Benghazi Catholic Cathedral, Libya |
Benghazi Catholic Cathedral,
with its two huge distinct domes, was built between 1929 and 1939. The
biggest colonial building still stands in Benghazi city centre today is
the
Former Catholic Cathedral in
Cathedral Square. The building was later used as a headquarters for the
Arab Socialist Union. The building is a good example of
Neo-Classical Architecture, and was designed by
Italian Architects Guido Ottavo and
Cabiati Ferrazza. The
Cathedral's Architecture is based on that of a basilica and the building is heavily inspired by
Italian religious architecture. 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. 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.
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| Benghazi Catholic Cathedral, used as conference hall |
Christianity hardly exists in modern
Libya today, apart from a small minority of foreign communities, mostly from Egypt, Europe and some African countries. The largest group of Christians is the
Coptic Orthodox, said to number around 60,000 Christians. The second largest Christian group in Libya is the
Roman Catholics - around 40,000 Christians; followed by a small
Anglican congregation in Tripoli, mostly of African immigrants.
- Cathedrals are finding spirit of the age (thetimes.co.uk)
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