Church of Christ the Redeemer

The First Slovenian Co-Cathedral

While most European towns have a church at their centre, this was not the case in Nova Gorica. For many years, it was known as a "town without bell towers." According to the original plans, the church was to be replaced by a cultural centre. Consequently, three major cultural institutions — a theatre, a library, and a cultural centre — were built in the town centre, while a church was excluded from the basic urban plan.

It eventually found its place across the street from the former Argonavti complex and the large concrete sundial — today’s Perla casino — on the declining stretch of Vojkova cesta, where it is both visible and somewhat hidden.

Until the church was built, the faithful attended Mass in nearby Solkan, Kostanjevica, or on Partizanska ulica. The idea of a town church had been circulating for many years, but it was not realised until 1982, when it was constructed according to the plans of Franc Kvaternik (1933–2018).

The church features refined architecture, including wooden reliefs of the Stations of the Cross and a 5.4-metre crucifix by sculptor Stane Jarm (1931–2011). The top of the bell tower, which differs in style and spirit from the church itself, was completed in 2001.

The territory of the Archdiocese of Gorizia, which became part of Yugoslavia after the Second World War, was annexed to the Diocese of Koper. In 2004, the church became Slovenia's first co-cathedral, meaning that, alongside the cathedral in Koper, it serves as the country's second central ecclesiastical seat. This status enables the hosting of important diocesan ceremonies and events here.

Avtor: Blaž Kosovel

Kraj: Nova Gorica

Vir:

https://zng.si/kristus-odresenik/

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