Stella Maris, Modern church in Milano Marittima, Italy.
Stella Maris is a modern church building with a cubic structure and bold concrete elements that define its architecture. The interior is bright and spacious, with a main nave illuminated by large window fronts and connected to side chapels.
The building was constructed in 1956 in response to growing religious needs in this coastal community during the post-war period. Its design by Carmelo Bordone and establishment by Franciscan Fathers represent a modern approach to sacred architecture of that era.
The name Stella Maris (Star of the Sea) reflects the Marian devotion of Cervia's popular tradition: since 1954 the statue of the Madonna Stella Maris has been carried in annual procession to the shore. Inside, 14 mahogany Via Crucis panels and a wooden crucifix are carved by sculptor Umberto Bortolo, and the tabernacle in Murano glass with a stylised cross is by architect Giuseppe Corazza.
Visitors should know that the church is accessible during regular worship times and can often be visited outside these times as well. It is advisable to check opening times in advance if a quiet visit is planned.
The pipe organ, inaugurated in spring 1970, was built by Giuseppe Zanin and his son Franz of Camino al Tagliamento. It has 2,859 pipes in 44 registers across three 61-note manuals and a 32-note concave-radial pedalboard, with the console standing to the left of the main altar. On summer Fridays, "Venerdì a Stella Maris" organ concerts alternate with cultural evenings.
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