Santa Maria Goretti Church

Architecture and contemporary art in dialogue with the sacred

Solitary and monolithic

The new parish church of Santa Maria Goretti rises from the northern edge of the Calabrian hill town Mormanno, commanding views of the mountainous Pollino National Park.

A cross that, lit by night, is seen like a beacon

The church is entered through a tall incision made in one of its four white concrete apses, the entrance forming a tall external cross that, lit by night, is seen like a beacon, from afar. The numinous interior, lit diaphanously from above through folds of translucent fabric hung in the form of curvaceous drapes from the 16-metre-high ceiling, has been inspired by, on the one hand, a resolute focus on the eucharist and prayer and, on the other, by the geometries of Italy’s most beautiful Baroque churches.

©Duccio Malagamba

©Duccio Malagamba

©Duccio Malagamba

Lines and shapes

The north side of the parish centre features a scalloped roof line in dialogue with the four-leafed clover plan and form of the church. Church bells are also concealed within the walls.

— Founder & president

The architecture of the Church, its interior spaces, the interventions of the artist Giuseppe Maraniello are the stations of a path of spiritual growth. In the study of forms we sought balance: the ability to combine sacred moments with the liturgical enjoyment of the church.

©Duccio Malagamba

The interior architecture

Inside, the relationship between art an architecture continues. Reflecting the fluid shapes of the walls, the artist Giuseppe Maraniello has created a lectern, tabernacle, baptismal font and figure of the Virgin Mary in stone, bronze and mosaic.

©Duccio Malagamba

— Founder & president

Designing a church is a message of continuity with the spirit of art that has passed unperturbed through the centuries of humanity

©Duccio Malagamba

Minimal furniture

Furniture in wood and steel by MCA Design is minimal and austere to highlight the architectural and sculptural elements of the church interior.

©Duccio Malagamba

The bioclimatic project

Bioclimatic section by MCA

Relationship with nature

During the design, particular attention was paid to the harmonious relationship with the surrounding nature. The green roofs and the planted internal courtyards, as well as the organic garden in front of the Rectory for 0 km cultivation, also at the service of the community, contribute to the sustainability of the project.