The cathedral in La Spezia was probably the most unique church I have ever been in. It was obviously a catholic church, don't get me wrong... it was just different. Built in an in-the-round style, the focus was the centre alter. There were a couple of side chapels, and behind the reredos there were several icons. Each ceiling pillar had a roman numeral, I to XII for the stations of the cross. A very ordinary church save the whole in the round thing. It was obviously commissioned in the early 60's and completed within that decade. No doubt about it!
As preciously mentioned, the alter was in the centre of the church. Standing just infront of the alter and looking straight up to the ceiling around 10m above was a circular bit of stained glass. This shot is a detail of it. I can only imagine what golden light would shine down on the alter through this glass!
Taken June 2010 - Christ the King of Centuries Cathedral, La Spezia, Italy
I just wanted to say that in Ethiopia, pretty much all the Orthodox Churches are round. Even some of the newer Protestant ones are because it would be completely absurd to many Ethiopians not to have a round church.
ReplyDelete