Benghazi Cathedral

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

Benghazi Cathedral
Benghazi Cathedral (1960s)
Religion
Affiliation	Roman Catholic Church
Rite	African Rite
Ecclesiastical or organizational status	Cathedral
Status	Active
Location
Location	Benghazi, Libya
Geographic coordinates
Architecture
Type	church
Style	Neoclassical
Groundbreaking	1929

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 is now derelict.

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

• Catholic Church in Libya

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.