Il Comune >> La Città >> Taranto attraverso le immagini

Finally we arrive in our century. The CONCATTEDRALE was built in 1970 and was projected by the famous architect Giò Ponti. Upon tradition it is believed that the Virgin Mary saved Taranto from the terrible consequences of an earthquake two centuries ago. So the new cathedral was named after the Virgin (the old one was dedicated to Saint Cataldo, patron of Taranto). Giò Ponti wanted to create a church where the naval tradition of Taranto would be evident.

The façade, in fact, represents a "sail" reflecting in three basins placed in fornt of the church. The water recalls the sea. If you look carefully at the Concattedrale, you will notice that it has a double façade. The first one is 87 meters long and 35 meters wide. The second one, in substitution of the traditional dome-shaped façade, is made by a double open-worked wall which is 40 meters high.

The church can contain 3000 people. Inside also there are some elements of the naval tradition of Taranto such as the two column at the side of the presbytery holding an anchor. The organ-pipes have been hidden and it seems as though the music emanates from every corner of the church. The high altar is entirely made of stone with iron decorations of a green colour.

Giò Ponti was the author of the frescoes behind the altar representing the "Angel of Annunciation" and the Virgin Mary. The Concattedrale remained without its basins for more than 10 years, but they have been recently restored by the municipality.