The Terra Sancta College in Jerusalem boasts a rich history, transitioning from an educational institution to a significant cultural center.
Established in the 1920s, the college initially served as a school for Jerusalem's diverse youth population. Designed by architect Antonio Barluzzi in the Neoclassical style, it thrived throughout the 1930s, experiencing a steady rise in enrollment.
However, funding constraints necessitated the school's closure in 1947. Subsequently, the property was entrusted to the Custody of the Holy Land.
In its current iteration, the Terra Sancta College functions as the cultural heart of the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land. It also houses a branch of Saint Saviour's Latin parish.
Antonio Barluzzi (1884-1960), the architect most revered as the "Architect of the Holy Land," wasn't just a designer of pilgrimage churches. This Italian architect, born in Rome, left his mark on the Holy Land throughout the first half of the 20th century.
Barluzzi's career displayed a deep connection to the Holy Land even from the beginning. Though he initially considered a religious path, he ultimately followed his artistic calling and studied architecture at Sapienza University in Rome. His first project, in collaboration with his brother Giulio, was a 100-bed Italian hospital in Jerusalem.
This early foray into design in the Holy Land foreshadowed a lifelong dedication. Barluzzi's most celebrated works are the iconic pilgrimage churches he designed for the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land. These include the Church of All Nations in the Garden of Gethsemane, a poignant site where Jesus prayed before his crucifixion. Another is the Church of the Transfiguration on Mount Tabor, believed to be the location of Jesus' miraculous transformation. The Church of the Beatitudes, perched on the Mount of Beatitudes, commemorates the Sermon on the Mount, one of Jesus' most significant teachings. Barluzzi also designed the church at the tomb of Lazarus in Bethany, a location significant for its connection to the biblical story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead.
However, Barluzzi's contributions extended beyond new structures. Recognizing the importance of preserving the past, he undertook extensive restoration projects. A notable example is his work on the Catholic chapel on Calvary within the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, a location considered sacred by many Christians as the site of Jesus' crucifixion.
Barluzzi's architectural style is known for its thoughtful integration of history and practicality. He often drew inspiration from existing structures and the surrounding landscapes, ensuring his designs resonated with their surroundings. The result is a successful blend of reverence for the past and functionality for modern use. His dedication to the Holy Land is evident in the sheer volume of his work. Over a four-decade period, from 1912 to 1955, Barluzzi designed or restored a total of 24 churches, hospitals, and schools. These projects stand as a testament to his lasting influence on the architectural landscape of the Holy Land.
Neoclassical architecture, flourishing from the mid-18th century to the 19th century, drew inspiration from the architectural legacy of ancient Greece and Rome. It represented a shift away from the more flamboyant and intricate styles of the Baroque and Rococo periods, embracing a design philosophy centered on order, reason, and balance.
Hallmarks of Neoclassical Architecture:
Monumental Scale: Neoclassical structures were frequently grand and imposing, conveying a sense of seriousness and permanence. This characteristic is evident in government buildings like the United States Capitol Building in Washington D.C., where the sheer scale inspires awe and respect for the institutions housed within.
Geometric Simplicity: In contrast to the elaborate curves and flourishes of Baroque, Neoclassical architects favored clean, geometric shapes. Squares, circles, and rectangles formed the foundation of their designs, creating a sense of order and rationality. This focus on geometric forms can be seen in the symmetrical layout of buildings like the British Museum in London, England.
Classical Details: Buildings incorporated various elements from their Greco-Roman inspirations. Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian columns – each with their distinct styles of capitals and fluting – were a staple. Pediments, triangular structures above the entrance or façade, and entablatures, the horizontal section above the columns, were also commonly employed. The Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany, exemplifies this use of classical details, with its prominent Doric columns and triangular pediment.
Dramatic Columns: Columns played a starring role in Neoclassical architecture, often arranged in symmetrical rows to frame entrances or accentuate building facades. These structural elements served not just a practical purpose but also added a sense of grandeur and order. The Palais Bourbon in Paris, France, is a prime example, featuring a majestic colonnade that defines the building's exterior.
Subdued Ornamentation: Unlike the exuberant ornamentation of previous eras, Neoclassical buildings favored a more restrained approach. Walls were frequently left unadorned, allowing the clean lines and geometric forms to take center stage. This preference for subtlety can be observed in structures like the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, where the architect Antonio Barluzzi incorporated classical elements while maintaining a sense of reverence for the sacred site.
The influence of Neoclassical architecture extended far beyond the 19th century. Its emphasis on order, proportion, and enduring materials continues to resonate with architects today. From government buildings to museums and universities, elements of Neoclassicism can be found in structures around the world, serving as a testament to the enduring power of this architectural movement.
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the Terra Sancta College in Jerusalem have an interesting historical connection, but they are not affiliated today.
- Terra Sancta College: A Historical Educational Center
Built in the 1920s, the Terra Sancta College originally served as a school for Jerusalem's youth, regardless of their religious background. Designed in the Neoclassical style by architect Antonio Barluzzi, the college thrived for several years. However, funding constraints forced the school to close in 1947.
- Hebrew University's Temporary Refuge
Following the 1948 War, the Hebrew University found itself displaced from its Mount Scopus campus, now located in East Jerusalem. In 1949, the university leased a portion of the Terra Sancta College facilities to house some of its departments. This period proved crucial for the university's continuity during a time of upheaval. Notably, parts of the college, including biology labs, became familiar spaces for many early Israeli students. The Terra Sancta College even features in Israeli literature, with scenes from Amos Oz's novels "A Tale of Love and Darkness" and "My Michael" set within its walls.
The Hebrew University's stay at Terra Sancta was temporary. The university eventually moved to its permanent location on a different site. Today, the Terra Sancta College functions as the cultural heart of the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land and also houses a branch of Saint Saviour's Latin parish.
In essence, the Terra Sancta College played a vital role in supporting the Hebrew University during a critical juncture. While their paths diverged, their shared history reflects the unique character of Jerusalem.