Latina Cathedral

Latina Cathedral, known locally as Cattedrale di San Marco a Latina, stands as a beacon of faith and architectural splendor in the heart of Latina, Italy. This magnificent structure, dedicated to St. Mark the Evangelist, is not just a place of worship but a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of the region. Situated in the central Piazza San Marco, the cathedral is a focal point of the city, easily accessible from Piazza del Popolo and the Municipal Hall.

The Birth of a Cathedral

The story of Latina Cathedral begins with the establishment of the city itself. On June 30, 1932, the first stone of the city of Littoria, later renamed Latina, was laid. This new urban center was designed to complement the existing towns of Cisterna and Terracina. The renowned architect Oriolo Frezzotti was commissioned to design the city's layout, which included the cathedral as a central element. The construction of the cathedral commenced in 1932 and was completed by December 18, 1933, when it was officially inaugurated and consecrated.

The decision to dedicate the church to St. Mark the Evangelist was influenced by the fact that many of the settlers in the Pontine Marshes were of Venetian origin, where St. Mark is the patron saint. The parish was established on November 23, 1933, by Cardinal Enrico Gasparri, the bishop of Velletri. The Salesians of Don Bosco were invited by Pope Pius XI to take charge of the church, following appeals from the local population and Benito Mussolini.

Architectural Marvels

The exterior of Latina Cathedral is a striking blend of tuff and travertine, creating a visually appealing contrast. The façade features a gabled design with a portico supported by three high arches resting on square pillars. Each archway leads to a portal topped with a single-lancet window adorned with colorful stained glass. The front gable is crowned with a sculpture representing the coat of arms of Pope Pius XI, while statues of the Evangelists, crafted by Francesco Barbieri in 1932, grace the corner pillars.

To the right of the cathedral stands the imposing bell tower, also characterized by alternating bands of tuff and travertine. This square tower is topped with a belfry housing three bells and is crowned by a marble replica of the Madonnina of Milan's Duomo, standing at a height of 37 meters.

Interior Splendor

Stepping inside Latina Cathedral, visitors are greeted by a single nave flanked by four side chapels on each side. The nave is covered with exposed wooden trusses and divided into four bays by tall yellow marble pilasters. The chapels, illuminated by high single-lancet windows, are connected by round arches and feature barrel-vaulted ceilings. The stained glass windows, created in 2001 by M. Raffaella Caldani and Vassilli Baltoyannis, depict scenes from the life of St. John Bosco and the reclamation of the Pontine Marshes.

The first chapel on the left houses the original baptismal font, while the fourth chapel on the right, deeper than the others, contains a marble altar dedicated to the Virgin Mary, adorned with a polychrome statue of Our Lady Help of Christians. The central nave leads to a deep apse, flanked by the tabernacle on the left and a bronze statue of St. Mark the Evangelist by Francesco Nagni (1960) on the right. The presbytery, raised by a few steps, features a modern design from 1986, compliant with liturgical adaptations. At its center stands the high altar, surmounted by a crucifix, with the bishop's wooden throne behind it. The back wall of the presbytery is decorated with a band of contemporary mosaics by Valter Cinti.

The Grand Organ

The cathedral's musical heart is its impressive pipe organ, located on two choir lofts along the lateral walls of the apse. Built in 1967 by the Pinchi organ workshop of Foligno and later modified and expanded in 1988-89, the organ features electronic transmission and 28 registers. Its console, with two keyboards and a pedalboard, is situated in the fourth chapel on the right. The organ's façade is composed of principal pipes arranged in a single cusp with lateral wings.

Latina Cathedral is more than just a place of worship; it is a symbol of the city's history, culture, and community spirit. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply a curious traveler, a visit to this stunning cathedral is a journey through time and faith, offering a glimpse into the heart and soul of Latina.