Benghazi Cathedral
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Benghazi Cathedral was a Roman Catholic cathedral in the city of Benghazi, Libya. It is located in the city centre and is currenty disused and undergoing renovation work.
[edit] 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 rennovation by an Italian company.
[edit] Architectural Features
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. 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.
[edit] References
- ^ BENGHAZI:Former cathedral.
- ^ 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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Coordinates: 32°6′50″N 20°3′34″E / 32.11389°N 20.05944°E
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