La Spezia Cathedral

La Spezia Cathedral, formally known as the Cathedral of Christ King (Cattedrale di Cristo Re), stands as a significant religious edifice in La Spezia, Italy. It serves as the principal church for the Roman Catholic Diocese of La Spezia-Sarzana-Brugnato, an ecclesiastical territory established in 1927. The construction of this modern cathedral, a project initiated shortly after the diocese's creation, spanned from 1956 to 1975, with its design and completion involving prominent architects.

History and Design

The genesis of La Spezia Cathedral as an episcopal seat dates back to 1927. While the ancient Abbey of Santa Maria Assunta was designated as the pro-cathedral, plans for a new, dedicated structure were soon set in motion. An initial design competition saw Brenno Del Giudice's entry selected, but these plans were postponed for over two decades. In a revived project initiated in 1956, the Rationalist architect Adalberto Libera was commissioned to design the new cathedral, leveraging the elevated site on Piazza Europa to emphasize its monumental presence. Upon Libera's death in 1963, the unfinished building's completion was entrusted to local architect Cesare Galeazzi, who introduced modifications while respecting the original vision. The cathedral was finally completed and consecrated in 1975, dedicated to Christ King of the Ages.

Architectural Features

The cathedral's exterior is distinctive, characterized by its circular plan and a striking hyperboloid of one sheet-shaped outer wall, notable for its lack of openings. The expansive churchyard, partially landscaped, provides access to three entrance portals. Internally, the space is illuminated by a vast central cupola, measuring 50 meters in diameter and supported by twelve substantial columns representing the Apostles. An additional source of light emanates from a continuous band of stained-glass windows encircling the main area. The interior floor, laid with white and grey marble, subtly slopes towards the central altar, while the slightly raised presbytery features red marble paving.

Art and Crypt

Within the cathedral's main space, a wooden crucifix dating from the 18th century is a prominent feature. Contemporary artistic contributions include the altar, ambo, and tabernacle crafted from Carrara marble by sculptor Lia Godano. The baptistry, choir, pews, and confessional were designed by Cesare Galeazzi, and the bronze sculpture "The Deposition of Christ" is by Angiolo Del Santo. The vaulted crypt beneath the cathedral serves as a repository for significant relics and tombs. It houses the reliquary of San Venerio, a mystic of La Spezia named Itala Mela, and the resting places of the diocese's first three bishops: Monsignor Giovanni Costantini, Monsignor Giuseppe Stella, and Monsignor Siro Silvestri.