This inauguration of the church of St. James the Apostle in Ferrara, Italy, was ten years in the making.
That's how long it took architects to design and construct the extraordinary church, which is being celebrated for its out-of-the-box design which began with its striking roof.
BENEDETTA TAGLIABUE
Lead architect
'In the sky of Ferrara there were many hot air balloons and we thought it was beautiful to imagine a church almost like a balloon that touches the floor and creates a space for concentration.'
The church's interior is marked by its simplicity. Wood and concrete are blended elegantly to create an imposing yet comforting environment of open spaces and filled with natural light
BENEDETTA TAGLIABUE
Lead architect
'At the same time with very primitive materials, because this idea of giving oneself to the earth and having something very essential is very important.'
The team of architects decided to highlight that principle in the altar, which is a rough stone symbolizing the rock upon which Jesus founded the Church.
BENEDETTA TAGLIABUE
Lead architect
'A raw stone, let's call it, an unworked stone, a stone almost as if straight from a quarry, and it was almost just like that.'
While Italy is known worldwide for its breathtaking churches, this small town of 130,000 now boasts one of the most unique ones in the country.
JM
