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The Church of St Maria Josefa at Ponte di Nona: Contemporary Architecture in the Eastern Outskirts of Rome
The Church of Santa Maria Josefa del Cuore di Gesù is located in Ponte di Nona, at kilometre 16 of the Via Prenestina. It is dedicated to the Basque religious sister canonised by John Paul II in 2000, founder of the Serve di Gesù della Carità (Servants of Jesus of Charity). Designed by Francesco Garofalo and Sharon Miura (from architecture studio Garofalo Miura) as part of the programme "50 Churches for Roma 2000", it was consecrated on 27 January 2001 by cardinal vicar Camillo Ruini.
The Design and the Site
The church was built on a site of 80 by 80 metres, straddling formerly unauthorised housing and a public housing development zone. The complex presents itself as a new urban focal point: an interlocking play of volumes, with the bell tower making its mark in the district skyline and a low L-shaped wing containing the parish facilities. The façade has a screen of white concrete panels that filter the afternoon light, drawing it through to the presbytery.
The Liturgical Hall
The interior has a curved roof that descends towards the altar, clad in cherry wood planking — a choice that helps with the nave’s acoustics. The side walls are in travertine, cut along the bedding plane, the same material as the bell tower. The weekday chapel, clad in wood, houses the Eucharist: the glazed back wall behind the altar enters into dialogue with the zenithal light filtering through the roof opening.
