Cathédrale du Sacré-Cœur d'Alger
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Cathédrale du Sacré-Cœur d'Alger (Sacred Heart Cathedral of Algiers) is a Roman Catholic church located in Algiers, Algeria. Completed in 1956, it became the new cathedral in the capital after the Cathedral of Saint Philip of Algiers reconverted into a Muslim Ketchaoua Mosque.[1] The Cathédrale du Sacré-Cœur d'Alger is the cathedral church of the Archdiocese of Algiers.
Sacred Heart Cathedral of Algier كاتدرائية القلب الأقدس Cathédrale du Sacré-Cœur d'Alger | |
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Religion | |
Affiliation | Roman Catholic Church |
Province | Archdiocese of Alger |
Rite | African Rite |
Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Cathedral |
Year consecrated | 1963 |
Location | |
Location | Algiers, Algeria |
Geographic coordinates | 36°45′51″N 03°02′52″E |
Architecture | |
Architect(s) | Paul Herbé, Jean Le Couteur |
Type | Church |
Style | Modern |
Completed | 1956 |
Construction of the church began after a wish of Bishop Leynaud in 1944. It was elevated to a cathedral in December 1962 and consecrated in 1963. The designers of the building, Paul Herbé and Jean Le Couteur,[2] along with engineer René Sarger,[3] were inspired by the Gospel of John. Its nave measures 52 metres (171 feet) long and 35 metres (115 feet) wide. The church is noted for its central tower.[3]
At the entrance to the nave there are small organs offered by the parish of Boufarik opposite which is a mosaic. The mural dates to 324, from the first Roman basilica of Castellum Tingitanum (Chlef).[4] The altar is made of Carrara marble, and houses the relics of numerous African saints.