SANTA MARIA CATHOLIC CHURCH OF TRABZON
The Church of Santa Maria, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, is located on Sümer Street in the İskenderpaşa neighborhood. With its exterior walls constructed of rubble stone and interior partition walls made of brick, it stands as one of the finest examples of Neo-Gothic architecture.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
The Santa Maria Catholic Church in Trabzon is one of the important religious legacies of the Black Sea Region's multicultural history that has survived to the present day. This historical building, constructed in the 19th century, is currently the only Catholic church open for worship in Trabzon and continues its existence under the auspices of the Apostolic Vicarage of Anatolia. The construction of the Santa Maria Church began in the second half of the 19th century to meet the religious needs of the congregation visiting and living in Trabzon. The foundation of the church was laid in 1869, and its construction took five years, being completed in 1874.
SPIRITUAL IDENTITY
Its construction was spearheaded by Catholic Franciscan (Capuchin) monks who came to the Black Sea region from Tbilisi, then under Russian rule, and who were originally from the Emilia region of Italy. The building was opened for worship with a ceremony held on February 2, 1874. The painting that the Capuchin monks brought with them, depicting the Virgin Mary in regional attire with the sleeping Infant Jesus in her arms, has become integrated into the spiritual identity of the church over time. Due to the miracles attributed to her, this depiction became known in the region as "Santa Maria di Trebisonda" (Our Lady of Trebison).
ARCHITECTURAL TEXTURE
The building was constructed in accordance with Catholic liturgy, with a rectangular plan, no apse, and three naves. The body walls feature solid stonework, while brick is used in the interior partitions. Covered by a long barrel vault and protected by a tiled roof, the arched naves, supported by piers, are quite high, creating a monumental depth. The west facade of the church is notable for its symmetrical window composition and triangular pediment; the interior is decorated with depictions, sculptures, and traditional liturgical objects reflecting Catholic iconography.
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