Bissau Cathedral
{{Infobox religious building
| building_name =Bissau Cathedral
| infobox_width =
| image =Catedral_de_Bissau_(1).jpg
| image_size =250px
| location =Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
| province =Immediately subject to the Holy See
| geo ={{coord|11|51|36|N|15|34|52|W|display=it|region:PA}}
| religious_affiliation =Roman Catholic
| consecration_year =1954
| status =Cathedral
| functional_status =Active
| heritage_designation =
| leadership =
| architecture =yes
| architect =João Simões, Galhardo Zilhão
| architecture_type =
| architecture_style =Modern Neo-romantic
| facade_direction =
| groundbreaking =1945
| year_completed =1950
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| specifications =yes
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| spire_height ={{convert|52|m|ft}}
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Bissau Cathedral ({{langx|pt|Catedral de Bissau}}), also known as Sé Catedral de Nossa Senhora da Candelária (Cathedral of Our Lady of Candelaria) is a Catholic cathedral in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau. It is the centre of the Catholic Church in Guinea-Bissau.{{cite book|title=Boletim cultural da Guiné Portuguesa|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PdUKAAAAIAAJ|volume=6|year=1951| issue=21–22 |language=Portuguese}} The cathedral is the seat of Diocese of Bissau, which was created in 1977.{{cite book|last1=Lobban|first1=Richard Andrew|last2=Mendy|first2=Peter Michael Karibe|title=Historical Dictionary of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NbJ8AQAAQBAJ&pg=PA166|date=17 October 2013|publisher=Scarecrow Press|isbn=978-0-8108-8027-6|page=166}} Situated in the downtown area of Bissau, it is noted for its function as a lighthouse.{{cite book|first1=Brian |last1=Rajewski|author2=Gale Group|title=Africa|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=E-VwMKQlGjIC|date=November 1998|publisher=Gale Research International, Limited|isbn=978-0-8103-7692-2|page=244}} Services are held in Portuguese.{{cite book|first1=Margaret Walsh |last1=Young|first2=Susan L. |last2=Stetler|author3=United States. Department of State|title=Cities of the world : a compilation of current information on cultural, geograph. and polit. conditions in the countries and cities of 6 continents, based on the Dep. of State's "Post Reports". 1. Africa. – 1985. – 788 S. : Ill., Kt.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8QYNAQAAMAAJ|year=1985|publisher=Gale Research Co.|page =289|isbn=9780810320598 }}
History
The original church was built in medieval architectural style in 1935. Built in the same location, the current cathedral replaced the original church. The architects of the current cathedral were João Simões and Galhardo Zilhão. Construction began in 1945 and was completed in 1950. Later renovation is attributed to the architect Lucínio Cruz.{{cite web|url=http://www.hpip.org/def/en/Homepage/Entry?a=1736|title= Cathedral Bissau, Guinea|publisher=Heritage of Portuguese Influence}} The cathedral has hosted numerous inauguration ceremonies. It was visited on 27 January 1990 by Pope John Paul II.{{cite web|url=http://www.gcatholic.org/churches/africa/5101.htm|title=Sé Catedral de Nossa Senhora da Candelária|publisher=Gcatholic.org|accessdate=29 May 2015}} On 9 August 1998, Bishop Settimio Ferrazzetta gave a prominent speech at the cathedral, in which he denounced violence in the country; he was buried in the cathedral upon his death, the following year.
Architecture and fittings
The building, set slightly away from the avenue, is square in form. Its architectural style is characterized as "modernized neo-romantic." The cathedral is noted for its function as a lighthouse, with the light installed on its {{convert|36|m}} high north tower. It has a steady green light (fl. 2s, ec . 7s) and is operational. The light guides ships through the Geba River estuary to the Port of Bissau.{{Cite rowlett|gnb|access-date=31 May 2015}} It is maintained by the Capitania dos Portos, Serviços de Marinha.
References
{{reflist|30em}}
{{Commons category|Catedral de Bissau}}
Category:Roman Catholic cathedrals in Guinea-Bissau
Category:Buildings and structures in Bissau
Category:Lighthouses in Guinea-Bissau