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{{short description|Destroyed cathedral of Somalia}}
{{Infobox religious building
{{Infobox church
| building_name=Mogadishu Cathedral
| image=Mogadischu Cathedral.jpg
| name = Mogadishu Cathedral
| native_name = {{nativename|it|Cattedrale di Mogadiscio}}
| image_size=
| native_name_lang = it
| caption=
| image = Cattedrale di Mogadiscio.jpg
| location=[[Mogadishu]], [[Somalia]]
| alt = Front view of a collapsed stone church
⚫
| geo={{coord|2.035736|45.341614|type:landmark|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
| caption = The ruined Mogadishu Cathedral in 2022
| religious_affiliation=[[Roman Catholic]]
⚫
| coordinates = {{Coord|2.035736|45.341614|type:landmark|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
| district=
| country = Somalia
| consecration_year=1928
| status=[[Cathedral]]
| location = [[Mogadishu]]
| denomination = [[Catholic Church]]
| leadership=
| tradition = [[Latin Church]]
| website=
| consecrated date = 1928
| architect=
| status = [[Cathedral]]
⚫
| architecture_style=[[Norman architecture|Norman]] [[Gothic Revival architecture|Gothic]]
| functional status = Ruined
| groundbreaking =
⚫
| style = [[Norman architecture|Norman]] [[Gothic Revival architecture|Gothic Revival]]
| year_completed=1928
| completed date = {{start date|1928}}
| specifications=
| closed date = {{end date|2008}}
| capacity=
| diocese = [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Mogadishu|Mogadishu]]
}}
}}


The '''Mogadishu Cathedral''' is a [[Roman Catholic]] cathedral located in [[Mogadishu]], [[Somalia]]. When still operational, it served as the seat of the [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Mogadiscio]]. Built in 1928 by Italian colonial authorities, the much of the building was destroyed in 2008 by Islamic radicals. In 2013, the diocese announced plans to refurbish the building.
'''Mogadishu Cathedral''' ({{langx|it|Cattedrale di Mogadiscio}}) is a ruined [[Catholic]] cathedral located in [[Mogadishu]], [[Somalia]]. Between 1928 and 1991, it served as the seat of the [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Mogadiscio]]. Built in 1928 by Italian colonial authorities, much of the building was destroyed in 2008 by [[Al-Shabaab (militant group)|al-Shabaab]]. In 2013, the diocese announced plans to refurbish the building.


==History==
==History==


The Mogadishu Cathedral was built in 1928 by the Italian authorities in the former [[Italian Somaliland]].<ref name="sszedr">{{cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?ei=8LVAU9nDEYqmsASVs4HQAQ&id=ulXZAAAAMAAJ |title=Consolata Missionaries in the World (1901-2001) |author= Giovanni Tebaldi |page=127 |date= |accessdate=2014-04-06}}</ref> Known as the '''Cattedrale di Mogadiscio''', it was constructed in a [[Norman architecture|Norman]] [[Gothic Revival architecture|Gothic]] style, based on the [[Cefalù Cathedral]] in [[Cefalù]], [[Sicily]]. It was built in nearly six years by the Italian authorities in their former [[Italian Somaliland]], in a central area of the capital not far from the [[Governor's Palace of Mogadishu|Governor's Palace]].
Mogadishu Cathedral was built in 1928 by the Italian authorities in the former [[Italian Somaliland]].<ref name="sszedr">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ulXZAAAAMAAJ |title=Consolata Missionaries in the World (1901-2001) |author= Giovanni Tebaldi |year=2001 |page=127 |publisher=Paulines |isbn=9789966210234 |accessdate=2014-04-06}}</ref> Known as the '''Cattedrale di Mogadiscio''', it was constructed in a [[Norman architecture|Norman]] [[Gothic Revival architecture|Gothic]] style, based on the [[Cefalù Cathedral|Cathedral]] of [[Cefalù]], in [[Sicily]]. It was built in nearly six years by the Italian authorities in their former Italian Somaliland, in a central area of the capital not far from the [[Governor's Palace of Mogadishu|Governor's Palace]].


Indeed the Cathedral was built as the biggest in eastern Africa by order of [[Cesare Maria De Vecchi]], a catholic governor of "Somalia italiana" who promoted the "Missionari della Consolata" christianization of Somalian people.<ref>[http://www.asei.eu/it/2011/11/le-missioni-cattoliche-italiane-allestero-il-caso-della-consolata-nella-somalia-di-cesare-maria-de-vecchi-1924-1928/ The catholic missionaries of "Consolata" promoted by governor De Vecchi (in Italian)]</ref> It was built between 1923 and 1928 and was used as a model the "Cathedral of Cefalu" (in northern [[Sicily]]), created to commemorate the Christian reconquest of Sicily from the Arabs in the X century.
Indeed, the cathedral was built as the biggest in eastern Africa by order of [[Cesare Maria De Vecchi]], governor of Italian Somaliland who promoted the Christianization of Somali people.<ref>[http://www.asei.eu/it/2011/11/le-missioni-cattoliche-italiane-allestero-il-caso-della-consolata-nella-somalia-di-cesare-maria-de-vecchi-1924-1928/ The Catholic missionaries of "Consolata" promoted by governor De Vecchi (in Italian)]</ref> It was built between 1923 and 1928 and was used as a model the "Cathedral of Cefalu" (in northern Sicily), created to commemorate the Christian reconquest of Sicily from the Arabs in the 10th century.


The Cathedral was done in "Norman" [[Gothic style]], designed by architect Antonio Vandone. The facade, with an impressive appearance, was delimited to the sides by two towers, each 37.50 meters high. The plan of the building was a Latin cross; inside was divided into three naves separated by piers with pointed arches.<ref>[http://senato.archivioluce.it/senato-luce/scheda/foto/IL0600007567/8/Celebrazione-religiosa-nella-cattedrale-di-Mogadiscio.html Religious ceremony inside the naves]</ref>
The cathedral was done in Norman [[Gothic style]], designed by architect Antonio Vandone. The facade was delimited to the sides by two towers, each 37.50 meters high. The plan of the building was a [[Latin cross]]; inside was divided into three naves separated by piers with pointed arches.<ref>[http://senato.archivioluce.it/senato-luce/scheda/foto/IL0600007567/8/Celebrazione-religiosa-nella-cattedrale-di-Mogadiscio.html Religious ceremony inside the naves]</ref> The church was entrusted to the [[Consolata Missionaries|Consolata missionaries]], then replaced by the [[Franciscans]] (Friars Minor).


⚫
In 1989, on the eve of the outbreak of the [[Somali Civil War|civil war]] in Somalia, the last Bishop of Mogadishu, [[Salvatore Colombo]], was killed by armed insurgents while celebrating Mass in the cathedral.<ref>[http://www.atma-o-jibon.org/italiano4/rit_albanese61.htm La fede negata, aricolo dell'"Avvenire"]</ref> The assassination of Bishop Colombo remains unsolved, despite calls from Somali officials for the case's investigation.
The church was entrusted to the "Consolata" missionaries, then replaced by the Franciscans (Friars Minor). The altar had a huge statue -done by sculptor Cesare Biscarra- of the Virgin Mary of Consolata,<ref>[http://www.internetculturale.it/opencms/opencms/it/viewItemMag.jsp?case=&id=oai%3Awww.internetculturale.sbn.it%2FTeca%3A20%3ANT0000%3ARM0255_DIG_1160 Statue & decorations inside the Mogadiscio Cathedral]</ref> that looked at the parishioners in an impressive way like a statue of Roman Gods inside an ancient imperial temple.<ref>[http://www.internetculturale.it/jmms/iccuviewer/iccu.jsp?id=oai%3Awww.internetculturale.sbn.it%2FTeca%3A20%3ANT0000%3ARM0255_DIG_1159&mode=all&teca=MagTeca+-+ICCU Image of the Virgin Mary over the Altar]</ref>

⚫
In 1989, on the eve of the outbreak of the [[Somali Civil War|civil war]] in Somalia, the last Bishop of Mogadishu, [[Salvatore Colombo]], was killed by armed insurgents while celebrating Mass in the cathedral.<ref>[http://www.atma-o-jibon.org/italiano4/rit_albanese61.htm La fede negata, aricolo dell'"Avvenire"]</ref>


==Current situation==
==Current situation==
[[File:Pictures from an armed convoy trip in Mogadishu.jpg|thumb|What remained of the Catholic Cathedral in 2011]]
[[File:Mogadischu Cathedral.jpg|thumb|Mogadishu Cathedral before destruction]]

⚫
After 1991, the cathedral was no longer regularly used.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HL0jDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT3&lpg=PT3&dq=Mogadishu+Cathedral+interior&source=bl&ots=5G3EYyZvQY&sig=IzJBgy5pjLabhQppDrTgeRWiPYU&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiZ8OSDm6zVAhWEVz4KHT63AlEQ6AEIeDAN#v=onepage&q=Mogadishu%20Cathedral%20interior&f=false|title=Vacation Goose Travel Guide Mogadishu Somalia|last=Morgan|first=Francis|publisher=Soffer Publishing|language=en}}</ref>
In late 2008, much of the catholic cathedral was destroyed by Islamic radicals.<ref>[http://www.ilgiornale.it/a.pic1?ID=295172 Articolo del Giornale, 3 ottobre 2008]</ref>


⚫
After 1991, the cathedral was no longer regularly used.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HL0jDwAAQBAJ&q=Mogadishu+Cathedral+interior&pg=PT3|title=Vacation Goose Travel Guide Mogadishu Somalia|last=Morgan|first=Francis|publisher=Soffer Publishing|language=en}}</ref> In late 2008, much of the Catholic cathedral was destroyed.<ref>[http://www.ilgiornale.it/a.pic1?ID=295172 Articolo del Giornale, 3 ottobre 2008]</ref>
⚫
A [[BBC]] correspondent later visited the site in 2012 and reported that some internally displaced people had formed tent settlements on the cathedral grounds. This was in stark contrast to the many new shops that had opened outside, where merchants, optimistic about the city's relative stability since the ouster of the insurgents, had begun to publicly advertise their wares again.
The correspondent also mentioned that although the cathedral had structurally incurred considerable damage by having its roof blown off among other things, its walls were still erect, its elegant stone arches still in place, and the general atmosphere was one of serenity.<ref name="Bsgogabb">[http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-19110975 Somalia's Graveyard of Grand and Beautiful Buildings]</ref>


⚫
A [[BBC]] correspondent later visited the site in 2012 and reported that some internally displaced people had formed tent settlements on the cathedral grounds. This was in stark contrast to the many new shops that had opened outside, where merchants, optimistic about the city's relative stability since the ousting of the insurgents, had begun to publicly advertise their wares again. The correspondent also mentioned that although the cathedral had structurally incurred considerable damage by having its roof blown off among other things, its walls were still erect, its elegant stone arches still in place, and the general atmosphere was one of serenity.<ref name="Bsgogabb">[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-19110975 Somalia's Graveyard of Grand and Beautiful Buildings]</ref>
⚫
In April 2013, after a visit to the site to inspect its condition, the Diocese of Mogadiscio announced plans to rebuild the cathedral in the future.<ref name="Afasifsoh">{{cite web|title=AFRICA/SOMALIA - "I found signs of hope," said Bishop Bertin who has just returned from Mogadishu|url=http://www.fides.org/en/news/pdf/33502|publisher=Agenzia Fides|accessdate=24 January 2014}}</ref>


⚫
In April 2013, after a visit to the site to inspect its condition, the diocese announced plans to rebuild the cathedral in the near future.<ref name="Afasifsoh">{{cite web|title=AFRICA/SOMALIA - "I found signs of hope," said Bishop Bertin who has just returned from Mogadishu|url=http://www.fides.org/en/news/pdf/33502|publisher=Agenzia Fides|accessdate=24 January 2014}}</ref>
Currently in the destroyed building the remaining 15/20 catholics in Mogadishu reunite, but it is also used to give food and medicines to the poorest people in Mogadishu<ref>[http://www.catholicherald.co.uk/news/2017/01/18/bishop-sees-signs-of-hope-as-elections-approach-in-somalia/ Bishop sees signs of hope in Somalia]</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
{{commons category}}
{{Portal|Catholicism}}
{{Portal|Catholicism}}
*[[Roman Catholicism in Somalia]]
*[[Catholic Church in Somalia]]
*[[Christianity in Somalia]]
*[[Christianity in Somalia]]


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==Bibliography==
==Bibliography==
* Guida d'Italia del Touring Club Italiano. - Possedimenti e Colonie, Milano 1929, p.&nbsp;757.
* Guida d'Italia del Touring Club Italiano. - Possedimenti e Colonie, Milano 1929, p.&nbsp;757.
* D. Paladini. ''Omicidio a Mogadiscio - L'ultimo vescovo al crepuscolo della Somalia'' Paoline Editoriale Libri. Roma,2006
* D. Paladini. ''Omicidio a Mogadiscio - L'ultimo vescovo al crepuscolo della Somalia'' Paoline Editoriale Libri. Roma, 2006


==External Links==
==External links==
* [http://www.internetculturale.it/opencms/viewItemMag.jsp?case=&id=oai%3Awww.internetculturale.sbn.it%2FTeca%3A20%3ANT0000%3ARM0255_DIG_1159 Photos of the Cathedral's interior]
* [http://www.internetculturale.it/opencms/viewItemMag.jsp?case=&id=oai%3Awww.internetculturale.sbn.it%2FTeca%3A20%3ANT0000%3ARM0255_DIG_1159 Photos of the Cathedral's interior]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SSXjRf2wVk Video of 2014 Cathedral's ruins]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SSXjRf2wVk Video of 2014 Cathedral's ruins]
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{{Somalia italiana (Colonia)}}
{{Somalia italiana (Colonia)}}


[[Category:Mogadishu]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Mogadishu]]
⚫
[[Category:Catholic Church in Africa]]
[[Category:Roman Catholic churches completed in 1928]]
[[Category:Roman Catholic churches completed in 1928]]
⚫
[[Category:Catholic Church in Somalia]]
[[Category:1928 establishments in Italian Somaliland]]
[[Category:1928 establishments in Italian Somaliland]]
[[Category:Roman Catholic cathedrals in Somalia]]
[[Category:Roman Catholic churches in Somalia]]
⚫
[[Category:Cathedrals in Somalia]]
⚫
[[Category:Roman Catholic cathedrals in Africa]]
[[Category:20th-century Roman Catholic church buildings]]
[[Category:Churches destroyed by Muslims]]

Latest revision as of 16:45, 26 October 2024

Mogadishu Cathedral
Cattedrale di Mogadiscio (Italian)
Front view of a collapsed stone church
The ruined Mogadishu Cathedral in 2022
Map
2°02′09″N 45°20′30″E / 2.035736°N 45.341614°E / 2.035736; 45.341614
LocationMogadishu
CountrySomalia
DenominationCatholic Church
TraditionLatin Church
History
StatusCathedral
Consecrated1928
Architecture
Functional statusRuined
StyleNorman Gothic Revival
Completed1928 (1928)
Closed2008 (2008)
Administration
DioceseMogadishu

Mogadishu Cathedral (Italian: Cattedrale di Mogadiscio) is a ruined Catholic cathedral located in Mogadishu, Somalia. Between 1928 and 1991, it served as the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Mogadiscio. Built in 1928 by Italian colonial authorities, much of the building was destroyed in 2008 by al-Shabaab. In 2013, the diocese announced plans to refurbish the building.

History

[edit]

Mogadishu Cathedral was built in 1928 by the Italian authorities in the former Italian Somaliland.[1] Known as the Cattedrale di Mogadiscio, it was constructed in a Norman Gothic style, based on the Cathedral of Cefalù, in Sicily. It was built in nearly six years by the Italian authorities in their former Italian Somaliland, in a central area of the capital not far from the Governor's Palace.

Indeed, the cathedral was built as the biggest in eastern Africa by order of Cesare Maria De Vecchi, governor of Italian Somaliland who promoted the Christianization of Somali people.[2] It was built between 1923 and 1928 and was used as a model the "Cathedral of Cefalu" (in northern Sicily), created to commemorate the Christian reconquest of Sicily from the Arabs in the 10th century.

The cathedral was done in Norman Gothic style, designed by architect Antonio Vandone. The facade was delimited to the sides by two towers, each 37.50 meters high. The plan of the building was a Latin cross; inside was divided into three naves separated by piers with pointed arches.[3] The church was entrusted to the Consolata missionaries, then replaced by the Franciscans (Friars Minor).

In 1989, on the eve of the outbreak of the civil war in Somalia, the last Bishop of Mogadishu, Salvatore Colombo, was killed by armed insurgents while celebrating Mass in the cathedral.[4] The assassination of Bishop Colombo remains unsolved, despite calls from Somali officials for the case's investigation.

Current situation

[edit]
Mogadishu Cathedral before destruction

After 1991, the cathedral was no longer regularly used.[5] In late 2008, much of the Catholic cathedral was destroyed.[6]

A BBC correspondent later visited the site in 2012 and reported that some internally displaced people had formed tent settlements on the cathedral grounds. This was in stark contrast to the many new shops that had opened outside, where merchants, optimistic about the city's relative stability since the ousting of the insurgents, had begun to publicly advertise their wares again. The correspondent also mentioned that although the cathedral had structurally incurred considerable damage by having its roof blown off among other things, its walls were still erect, its elegant stone arches still in place, and the general atmosphere was one of serenity.[7]

In April 2013, after a visit to the site to inspect its condition, the diocese announced plans to rebuild the cathedral in the near future.[8]

See also

[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Mogadishu Cathedral.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Giovanni Tebaldi (2001). Consolata Missionaries in the World (1901-2001). Paulines. p. 127. ISBN 9789966210234. Retrieved 2014-04-06.
  2. ^ The Catholic missionaries of "Consolata" promoted by governor De Vecchi (in Italian)
  3. ^ Religious ceremony inside the naves
  4. ^ La fede negata, aricolo dell'"Avvenire"
  5. ^ Morgan, Francis. Vacation Goose Travel Guide Mogadishu Somalia. Soffer Publishing.
  6. ^ Articolo del Giornale, 3 ottobre 2008
  7. ^ Somalia's Graveyard of Grand and Beautiful Buildings
  8. ^ "AFRICA/SOMALIA - "I found signs of hope," said Bishop Bertin who has just returned from Mogadishu". Agenzia Fides. Retrieved 24 January 2014.

Bibliography

[edit]
  • Guida d'Italia del Touring Club Italiano. - Possedimenti e Colonie, Milano 1929, p. 757.
  • D. Paladini. Omicidio a Mogadiscio - L'ultimo vescovo al crepuscolo della Somalia Paoline Editoriale Libri. Roma, 2006
[edit]
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